tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53283818415277906552024-03-19T05:13:01.124-07:00Not This Time, Nayland SmithChris Hewsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11566568274862884325noreply@blogger.comBlogger1209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-15791620412847986002024-02-04T05:15:00.000-08:002024-02-29T07:21:47.776-08:00Al Filo del Terror: On the Edge of Terror (1990) [The Deadly Doll's House of Horror Nonsense's The Shortening] <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ15E2eVSpKM-XT4viqOIUIn1IpsHwabAicHUPdKdofd9hLtS4yV3VPg8SqtBdXRX4W0BhBqK8nrfQ17gBD-lywTDiE-NnsHDoNM3LXmyLx42ZdE-vLtJcSXPbcNZmokQM1mjOZacwzbP1-xrn-E1z9Ca2h3R2GB61rkz7jZFtjEFS3L_0RyIb5Gy3k0qb/s711/af.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="556" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ15E2eVSpKM-XT4viqOIUIn1IpsHwabAicHUPdKdofd9hLtS4yV3VPg8SqtBdXRX4W0BhBqK8nrfQ17gBD-lywTDiE-NnsHDoNM3LXmyLx42ZdE-vLtJcSXPbcNZmokQM1mjOZacwzbP1-xrn-E1z9Ca2h3R2GB61rkz7jZFtjEFS3L_0RyIb5Gy3k0qb/w500-h640/af.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Armando
Sanchez, alias El Griego, is a ventriloquist whose act has gotten
stale. Instead of accepting the criticism, he gets mad and punishes his
dolls. Despite his daughter Karlita's protests, he destroys one. Things
don't improve, until he comes up with a sneaky idea-Griego dresses his
daughter up as a new doll. It's a smash hit, but people soon become
suspicious, and Griego becomes homicidal to protect his secret. But he's
not the only one who's about to get violent, as his abused dolls are
planning their revenge...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTsj999Tv0zo67_ixPhyphenhyphenpJ28oAZv4etR53Z_vx_I2MqtYLjJyxidJdbXDAykJ05B7NY8VpL0PSdSEcSs2sHavDWzQprSooRzKYv4JL7sVV2v_cJm0Gu7zZdFh3owFzc9eev8ddQSkfhG3HJyZZuAhdv_yaA6xwSNCBZ3upCm8NIFydogO2hRhzqetJnyq/s960/af1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTsj999Tv0zo67_ixPhyphenhyphenpJ28oAZv4etR53Z_vx_I2MqtYLjJyxidJdbXDAykJ05B7NY8VpL0PSdSEcSs2sHavDWzQprSooRzKYv4JL7sVV2v_cJm0Gu7zZdFh3owFzc9eev8ddQSkfhG3HJyZZuAhdv_yaA6xwSNCBZ3upCm8NIFydogO2hRhzqetJnyq/w640-h360/af1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJWwkMaF0x80NZLL4t2mv2L-Udg-4wc4HoQfGP9Sk6N5-s6vnOphGyWpI9kt0UdNPV1EdVNLDw6xbWQFxWufGofIGpFN7jGJ91aPPAoF2XUsobajsCXDjSexpNgE5wFDx1fGF8oBnQE5tZqUG_Fx0rMJ7kf9DWkmfL18058m61HmaPdaCUGxtMrBOhF37/s960/af2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJWwkMaF0x80NZLL4t2mv2L-Udg-4wc4HoQfGP9Sk6N5-s6vnOphGyWpI9kt0UdNPV1EdVNLDw6xbWQFxWufGofIGpFN7jGJ91aPPAoF2XUsobajsCXDjSexpNgE5wFDx1fGF8oBnQE5tZqUG_Fx0rMJ7kf9DWkmfL18058m61HmaPdaCUGxtMrBOhF37/w640-h360/af2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Al
Filo del Terror (On the Edge of Terror) promises to be a horror
centreing on ventriloquist dummies. A pretty ripe concept for the genre!
And this film has a bit of a difference. It's the human master who's
the bad guy, and the very much alive dolls are subject to his brutality.
It's an interesting spin on things, and I was curious to watch, even if
I was going in with Mexican VHS expectations.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
film starts off very quickly, with no real introduction to these living
dolls, where they came from, or what their owner knows. Just BAM,
they're alive, no questions asked. The ball gets rolling, showing an
effective character portrait.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhaOBNHKErSUp02Vnj9W5ifMIlgkuTMrT3qyRSR_G-pEIqJ23-hemcNIhDSMxR8Cs1H7F6Ba29Qn5wn_ohpbwXc5ENExuvM-KkhJnplt0eiCrM3zaeZLbFjURmZ0HVAeBrw2UuCyYB8JaVqcNdoAPZ7_Bx-BlWusrbE-d1BujhTMFDilsNf511BiyStu_/s960/af3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhaOBNHKErSUp02Vnj9W5ifMIlgkuTMrT3qyRSR_G-pEIqJ23-hemcNIhDSMxR8Cs1H7F6Ba29Qn5wn_ohpbwXc5ENExuvM-KkhJnplt0eiCrM3zaeZLbFjURmZ0HVAeBrw2UuCyYB8JaVqcNdoAPZ7_Bx-BlWusrbE-d1BujhTMFDilsNf511BiyStu_/w640-h360/af3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">El
Griego thinks of himself as famous, enough to the point where he
insists assistants hold up mirrors for him at exactly the right angle.
Because he's a star, don'tcha know. And yet his audience consists of
about 20 chairs in a high school auditorium, half of them empty. And the
audience he does have look about as interested as a paint-drying
convention. except for one guy who's a little <i>too</i> entertained!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's
no wonder Griego's act isn't doing as well as it used to, because it is
truly awful! It's embarrassing to watch him do these squeaky voices,
lame jokes, coupled with the sour look he gives when a show doesn't
land. Naturally he takes no blame, thinking it's everyone else's fault
and lashing out. It's his ungrateful audience, the critics, etc.
Obviously he didn't decline. Everyone must just have it out for him. And
then there are the dolls themselves. Clearly they are the uncooperative
ones! In fact, if the dolls are actually real living beings, that does
beg the question of if Griego is even a ventriloquist at all!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSivTNZoOchKFhZANWMIyYoAnnv0FZt4mzkADs0oRVH7voM01q3xv5HLf7-XcYyqRjTy319ilSTPGb15BHE4_f9vDOTguzs7VdK78GeegmSKS33z-IqfH_OA6dRlgQTKwlklVhfIJbTKv1HMwaZZOWrIJ7bd_iFzD2Npc1yiYEo3MNFpL3KWAer6y4wKz2/s960/af4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSivTNZoOchKFhZANWMIyYoAnnv0FZt4mzkADs0oRVH7voM01q3xv5HLf7-XcYyqRjTy319ilSTPGb15BHE4_f9vDOTguzs7VdK78GeegmSKS33z-IqfH_OA6dRlgQTKwlklVhfIJbTKv1HMwaZZOWrIJ7bd_iFzD2Npc1yiYEo3MNFpL3KWAer6y4wKz2/w640-h360/af4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This
attitude is close to getting him fired if he can't breathe new life
into his act. Eventually he hits upon the solution to all his
troubles-Dress up his daughter and make her a new doll. Perfect! No-one
will know the difference. The crazy thing is this actually works!
Despite still only being a guy making silly voices, just with a new doll
and a couple extra jokes, somehow this works well enough to even break
into America! Yeah, I can imagine this Spanish speaking ventriloquist
with his clown doll really setting the States alight.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite
being an aging ventriloquist with severe anger issues, Griego is a
surprise hit with the ladies! He's got one lover on the side, then tries
his luck with others. There's also a would-be blackmailer, who digs his
employer a body pit
that comes in handy more than once, and Griego figures since there's
room, BANG, so much for his blackmailer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2McVeAcV0NLvtDVNC3Z80jaWRX0KJqRN1AuP8hUT3XSkAhZF6Iyqq4n7_9YAEB2T0pCGoRY36NrbkSp5q7BgvtzV1JZZ94EvgJAXq6ji6FLl_tqVK1B4z7Qu1u-urExFIWJjzJVismg8digwavI7xdnNQhs5iWxbISUA7LGk9XQ800rYLBM8iw0pP4WP-/s960/af5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2McVeAcV0NLvtDVNC3Z80jaWRX0KJqRN1AuP8hUT3XSkAhZF6Iyqq4n7_9YAEB2T0pCGoRY36NrbkSp5q7BgvtzV1JZZ94EvgJAXq6ji6FLl_tqVK1B4z7Qu1u-urExFIWJjzJVismg8digwavI7xdnNQhs5iWxbISUA7LGk9XQ800rYLBM8iw0pP4WP-/w640-h360/af5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
other characters include Griego's brother-in-law (who I thought was his
dad for most of the movie), who's aware of the guy's negatives, but is
forced into his scheme (going so far as to call it a demonic fraud, and
looking on sadly during the make-up process like the girl's being
killed! Overstating it just a little), and ultimately meets a sticky
end. Daughter Karlita is a sweet girl, who has a special bond with the dolls, yet is a little dopey and trusting. There's also an old maid(?), Karlita's friend, and a few women,
including a plucky journalist. I was a little confused who was who at
times, which may be because I don't speak Spanish, and because some look
the same. Maybe it's the film itself, who knows.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUpOuu7-XQnsWde-JyKiQfbVD9BHSN2z8ZCCyceIW6akOX2a8YTaHHFrMqJU3aoM7d-jGN3xyI4IQ_dJb71r5AH1iEXTp2faPO5Rw-T2tzJhRR9PPohZvjDUHKBP5ZnpedNWHqn54xmfQXNH4vnker7W05cLz2waS7nqX5rX9pC20bLalUVNWvTdB0p7D/s960/af8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUpOuu7-XQnsWde-JyKiQfbVD9BHSN2z8ZCCyceIW6akOX2a8YTaHHFrMqJU3aoM7d-jGN3xyI4IQ_dJb71r5AH1iEXTp2faPO5Rw-T2tzJhRR9PPohZvjDUHKBP5ZnpedNWHqn54xmfQXNH4vnker7W05cLz2waS7nqX5rX9pC20bLalUVNWvTdB0p7D/w640-h360/af8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And the dolls are a friendly bunch, and slow to anger, but when they cut loose they'll roast and slime you!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You're
probably wondering after all this how this is a 'killer doll' movie,
when I've barely mentioned them. That's because they barely appear!
Despite an early introduction, they vanish for large swathes of movie,
and it's only in the final minutes when they enact their revenge. It's a
shame, because that's the movie at its most bonkers, with dolls
spitting fire and slime at their tormentor. They're so powerful it makes
you wonder why they didn't do this 80 minutes sooner!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Besides
this, Al Filo's biggest problem is that it would've been fine at 70-75
minutes, but the 92 minute runtime leaves the movie full of fluff and
dead air. You could cut out so many scenes that accomplish nothing, and
be left with a much tighter film. Instead it takes forever before
anything horrific or crazy happens. It's the middle act which suffers
the most. By the end, Edge of Terror feels like a perfectly adequate, if
overlong drama about a crazed artist and his daughter, that the makers
decided to turn into a killer doll film, but didn't change enough to
compensate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRwa8UaArAxPs9vhLdO8wmSelpQqMGtJsN4Oej3tBusDn2WrE8uvN_S_BVBa5n4kd6vovbGYGs9Wg1YLpFg7gVdsk4Z3vrwvpiQiDQHLA0-2R2Us8SiWW8lc7gwZwLCz_GxwVaM4Sif3QcGGzqNXBCs6Pmmy3vH5NBI3z4_ZHjM0rtAEmcj_204tZKnEN/s960/af6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRwa8UaArAxPs9vhLdO8wmSelpQqMGtJsN4Oej3tBusDn2WrE8uvN_S_BVBa5n4kd6vovbGYGs9Wg1YLpFg7gVdsk4Z3vrwvpiQiDQHLA0-2R2Us8SiWW8lc7gwZwLCz_GxwVaM4Sif3QcGGzqNXBCs6Pmmy3vH5NBI3z4_ZHjM0rtAEmcj_204tZKnEN/w640-h360/af6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
film borders on black comedy, like one part where Karlita is trying to
calm her friend's suspicions. See, her father is a good guy, not as bad
as he seems...before immediately cutting to him punching his
brother-in-law! For the heinous crime of removing his daughter's
make-up. Because it's only logical to wear clownface 24/7!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Interestingly,
Al Filo has a somewhat del Toro style flourish. With the 'ugly
monsters' being friendly and persecuted, little girls as the
heroes(ish), and a brutish human who proves to be the real villain. This
is the kind of story I could totally see him remaking! While we're on
the subject, that does make for an interesting topic, seeing these
VHS-based Mexican horror flicks from the 90s, and comparing them to Del
Toro's feature debut Cronos! In terms of quality these obviously don't
compare, but they share a nice co-existence. It's little films like this
that led the way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE0OwD6XvH9b5cYCbQdBtMgwSqeLfUE5u6UC5Zpl69BSx00jPeXQta7m4ylK25XFiXz_UFtgad2MaqiUxueFDLLsLsf5phSQnxGTjWGUfaGBRUHAlLjV2XvDW3__AF85AiUTygTR90EsZOkMmrAKVpO53Xov4ZCi-X85QoCjrReRQTXxG3OUpS65Jpb12/s960/af10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE0OwD6XvH9b5cYCbQdBtMgwSqeLfUE5u6UC5Zpl69BSx00jPeXQta7m4ylK25XFiXz_UFtgad2MaqiUxueFDLLsLsf5phSQnxGTjWGUfaGBRUHAlLjV2XvDW3__AF85AiUTygTR90EsZOkMmrAKVpO53Xov4ZCi-X85QoCjrReRQTXxG3OUpS65Jpb12/w640-h360/af10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While
Al Filo may not be the best at showing scale, it's the dolls that are
the most important thing to nail. So does the movie succeed? In a way.
They're clearly people, but the make-up is good, and the pyrotechnics at
the end are pretty neat.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
acting is ok, with Fernando Almada giving a strong lead performance.
Karla Talavera is a cutiepie, and everyone else does fine. Dwarf actors
must be so grateful for weird horror movies. Because while they may
yearn for audiences to accept them in normal roles, they know horror has
always had room for 'em! Are you making a film with aliens, trolls,
mutant elves, or killer dolls? You know who's on hand to help! As with
Herencia Diabolica (and Munecos Infernales if we go further back) it is a
little weird when the dolls are portrayed by real people, but they do
fine jobs, despite the goofy voices.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2dtnlhQpDcSZ8tAaP0tnAK286y36oxdjQTwoMHRg2nPscxUffEulg5xx6Sao2iRL4YPs1KCmHo4OhZ63FkipH_8LBGUgwlIxkTZBBQ4gyXC70Wa04nhkwrIGugESoCliwvFHSlQiWC_cHyWajpljW9SjZg1WBrzvnvrDWWyuQvrgHL3U1ZgJlj1OqPUP/s960/af7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2dtnlhQpDcSZ8tAaP0tnAK286y36oxdjQTwoMHRg2nPscxUffEulg5xx6Sao2iRL4YPs1KCmHo4OhZ63FkipH_8LBGUgwlIxkTZBBQ4gyXC70Wa04nhkwrIGugESoCliwvFHSlQiWC_cHyWajpljW9SjZg1WBrzvnvrDWWyuQvrgHL3U1ZgJlj1OqPUP/w640-h360/af7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Al
Filo del Terror is an interesting little horror, but doesn't quite get
there in the end, and is a bit of a bore in places. Worth watching if
you're <i>really</i> into Mexican horror, or killer doll films! Besides that it can be skipped...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is for <a href="http://deadlydollshouse.blogspot.com/2024/02/whats-matter-with-kids-today.html">The Shortening</a>, a blogathon set up by Emily of <a href="http://deadlydollshouse.blogspot.com.au/">The Deadly Dolls House of Horror Nonsense</a>.</i></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-86450760383458692602024-02-02T23:52:00.000-08:002024-02-29T07:21:45.480-08:00Herencia Diabolica: Diabolical inheritance (1993) [The Deadly Doll's House of Horror Nonsense's The Shortening] <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fQ9jPQ-pOH9DxrwIOEJ7CDxzEKqAN38WYhh-gAR32TTqY12yqBrNfVuQ2DigCdTUH5g64h49xnZx45K9eXAImdPdAtMGUbkZtbCquRReB0IvprmfEdLU0HalxkdjUzbChXPYeH-2zXwQXobqUUOZQuOgSAmKOxpteDu4UyHkWNxt1_70Lgsqi_RuBbch/s735/he.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fQ9jPQ-pOH9DxrwIOEJ7CDxzEKqAN38WYhh-gAR32TTqY12yqBrNfVuQ2DigCdTUH5g64h49xnZx45K9eXAImdPdAtMGUbkZtbCquRReB0IvprmfEdLU0HalxkdjUzbChXPYeH-2zXwQXobqUUOZQuOgSAmKOxpteDu4UyHkWNxt1_70Lgsqi_RuBbch/w460-h640/he.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mexican horror has had its highs and lows. The monster and luchador pictures of the 50s and 60s are definitely a high! The <i>90s</i>
on the other hand? Well, you can guess their cinema had declined a fair
bit! This was the VHS phase, where budgets had been
stripped to an absolute minimum. In this environment comes Herencia Diabolica, or
Diabolical Inheritance.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD7POCoEdPDum7RgPZD6ibzSF4ZxiLVYbEoYN_XjvowBlNoSn0gUeZsNvFVcZkPKUytseTwzd-KMpPC0WJZU9k5LxQKQ9TkdRaGr679Vquubtkv17SviAp-7rNjIY66T4FosCSjuWJ64N9h8DWkjVxAjPNcFlGsU4Z-8XJtOqhuXiMb7pSL5Nop5gD_my/s960/he1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD7POCoEdPDum7RgPZD6ibzSF4ZxiLVYbEoYN_XjvowBlNoSn0gUeZsNvFVcZkPKUytseTwzd-KMpPC0WJZU9k5LxQKQ9TkdRaGr679Vquubtkv17SviAp-7rNjIY66T4FosCSjuWJ64N9h8DWkjVxAjPNcFlGsU4Z-8XJtOqhuXiMb7pSL5Nop5gD_my/w640-h360/he1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A businessman and his pregnant wife move into a new home, where they find a clown doll, belonging to the now-deceased old owner. Strange things soon begin happening, and the doll shows a life of its own, and when the wife discovers the secret, she is killed. Years later Tony and his son still live in the house, and he soon remarries. But the cycle begins again when she too realises what's happening and tries to stop it. Making her the doll's new target...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Herencia Diabolica has been called the Mexican Child's Play, and really it's pretty different, but the general vibe is there. A kids' doll is wreaking havoc, and the only ones who suspect are next on the chopping block. It gets off to an alright start. A bit slow, but we soon get a big setpiece where the apparent heroine is terrorised by the nefarious doll, and...killed!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0GD6841Kf4s0qZTXSeX_pfxsMIKUZDuORXo6bk9TlZYOZjpWrMCS-hoxwEbBIeueRQGZT_yEjnFlbHBCMozVuodkqBIbz2l5masW2dpLgz9D4cR5E1rqPVU6MRMuUBZ61dMrsTBL2SnzjbthQmEzD08uYw_qt2XBfq2HMOO1e2x4sZDM2uJw0AnOwZBx/s960/he3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0GD6841Kf4s0qZTXSeX_pfxsMIKUZDuORXo6bk9TlZYOZjpWrMCS-hoxwEbBIeueRQGZT_yEjnFlbHBCMozVuodkqBIbz2l5masW2dpLgz9D4cR5E1rqPVU6MRMuUBZ61dMrsTBL2SnzjbthQmEzD08uYw_qt2XBfq2HMOO1e2x4sZDM2uJw0AnOwZBx/w640-h360/he3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBiRa0-XVO-uRK8OK5o_I3rjXq25R_7rRdAhGaOJq263xvXIkMazne55nuDbnSxaLyBBN7VIHWt-RdWZcAfdzSBVwm_3eBouaGLIADGDZHHt36Q_Y4LcwM27dluuqbfGoKntr9tuj1f6iMS5EFy59qU_nDcvB5IJNT8kEoGWQRDwS5B5NoNPja3CmwQhb/s960/he4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBiRa0-XVO-uRK8OK5o_I3rjXq25R_7rRdAhGaOJq263xvXIkMazne55nuDbnSxaLyBBN7VIHWt-RdWZcAfdzSBVwm_3eBouaGLIADGDZHHt36Q_Y4LcwM27dluuqbfGoKntr9tuj1f6iMS5EFy59qU_nDcvB5IJNT8kEoGWQRDwS5B5NoNPja3CmwQhb/w640-h360/he4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It definitely feels like the movie peaks early. So where can it go from here? Behind of course. We sit through a semi-montage of the guy being a morose widower, raising their kid, meeting a new woman and falling in love again, and getting married.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's here when the film begins to repeat itself. The new wife notices something's amiss with the doll. These scenes are broken up with things like a riveting visit to a petting zoo, where the towering sight of a King Kong sculpture is the closest thing to scary. It's 46 minutes in before we finally get something new, when the wife attempts getting rid of the doll.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsXfxp_nZMr3MdtjP9Q1ohcxgGx1HCLr_Dv2b31xoUuSQNlXT0iRV_CXhJ7dgF3RFV7V21Q3hAPHXKewFFVEQrLvalhqrFzr-ftIgLlG7Q1S-oVpPxMTqlMDAjeqostwA_sPipU6KTcGEeD0IByq95x_8qtzbv1Ss68RHtP44mpkNbAMeqipoFWwVlI7K/s960/he2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsXfxp_nZMr3MdtjP9Q1ohcxgGx1HCLr_Dv2b31xoUuSQNlXT0iRV_CXhJ7dgF3RFV7V21Q3hAPHXKewFFVEQrLvalhqrFzr-ftIgLlG7Q1S-oVpPxMTqlMDAjeqostwA_sPipU6KTcGEeD0IByq95x_8qtzbv1Ss68RHtP44mpkNbAMeqipoFWwVlI7K/w640-h360/he2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was at the hour mark when I was just about ready to yell at the screen "Is anything actually gonna damn happen in this movie?!". Just think of what we could've got! Investigation into the doll's history, escalation of the doll's antics, more than one murder in the first hour. Instead we just get repetition,, and people talking. Nothing interesting either. Even if you understand Spanish their dialogue amounts to mundane comments about taxes or the day's weather.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At one point Herencia becomes pretty hallucinatory, and almost verges on a Mexican version of Black Devil Doll from Hell, right down to the shot-on-video look (although this looks more like a 'real film' than that at least).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyBdiLsNA_wxNmtfpYsY4O3wXwGjPbB3w7sjGpxb5F0YoTGOUTfHMENh11lLebX5RMGpcUdNyNLJPCTScRSf-_eosAijN9UYGpX6FPlQOZEdq2hWaUO9CcfFra1peZcJoOpzHKX5ityoriHdEmCGmb0RN9y5Lj5PRrR1BpfSUO0l4nSZzhu16EZAjxgBs/s960/he8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyBdiLsNA_wxNmtfpYsY4O3wXwGjPbB3w7sjGpxb5F0YoTGOUTfHMENh11lLebX5RMGpcUdNyNLJPCTScRSf-_eosAijN9UYGpX6FPlQOZEdq2hWaUO9CcfFra1peZcJoOpzHKX5ityoriHdEmCGmb0RN9y5Lj5PRrR1BpfSUO0l4nSZzhu16EZAjxgBs/w640-h360/he8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The final act does get fun again (with a lynching murder being a highlight), but it's basically just the first setpiece, but a little bigger, and ends in pretty much the same way. Nothing stops the doll, and the girl dies, <i>again</i>! How many wives is this guy gonna lose before he realises it's the doll! The movie ends on a bit of a downer, and one that isn't really any different to what's been seen before, so it's not even fresh.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The end credits are pretty amusing, keeping up the doll's evil laughing till the screen goes black. It must have given the pint-sized actor a sore throat!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiqEBD0i6Cs3RejuXMJ_YNl7mAwtaR-0xDZyrANBIzNWQJggcuI7An22iIpxYTLQjoIub_0BzWEaArUsF5Hy8Pa17u57EtTw88m1S_6PisFKaM2tNyce6Byti2G4HXpSzfOBWqxRl4kNBD1Ylr_l1x0Z6CYlWuiueMa12fG_4LW0NpM55xfVCF8_HL9qe/s960/he6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiqEBD0i6Cs3RejuXMJ_YNl7mAwtaR-0xDZyrANBIzNWQJggcuI7An22iIpxYTLQjoIub_0BzWEaArUsF5Hy8Pa17u57EtTw88m1S_6PisFKaM2tNyce6Byti2G4HXpSzfOBWqxRl4kNBD1Ylr_l1x0Z6CYlWuiueMa12fG_4LW0NpM55xfVCF8_HL9qe/w640-h360/he6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast here is pretty amateurish in some ways, but they get the job done. Some line deliveries and reactions are pretty cheesy. The best performance is Margarito Esparza as the evil doll Payasito. He gets some great evil grins and cackles! He has a pretty fun presence too, running around energetically. It's he who really carries the movie, and without him it'd be dead in the water.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb1v0FO1uTioz9zWy-ORiK2oIxPKiHdiRKaqMzvj753EOsiY3PxwdQGEZyhamVODzjVvgPe78W4VhF-o-N_0Vpt1CHLQ7zyny8BdHZTT9By6IyXEhPcNtc-LPH1BVqGpJwHguAlqRFgRtGrP9C6FmafDXxyEu7oCa_7umtPXtkxIj388TD7IYqUYjRqUx/s960/he7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb1v0FO1uTioz9zWy-ORiK2oIxPKiHdiRKaqMzvj753EOsiY3PxwdQGEZyhamVODzjVvgPe78W4VhF-o-N_0Vpt1CHLQ7zyny8BdHZTT9By6IyXEhPcNtc-LPH1BVqGpJwHguAlqRFgRtGrP9C6FmafDXxyEu7oCa_7umtPXtkxIj388TD7IYqUYjRqUx/w640-h360/he7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Herencia Diabolica is directed by Alfredo Salazar of all people. He wrote a few Santo entries, the Wrestling Women series, Mexican Batwoman, and was also the occasional director, helming weird western El Charro de las Calaveras! Most of his work was in the 70s, with a quiet period of over 10 years before Herencia, his final film.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The score is one of the film's best qualities! It's a bit cheesy, but effective and varied. We've got quieter ominous tunes, bombastic ones, tender character bits, and more. As well as a focus on ambient noises in places. It gets the job done in building a good atmosphere.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRw8YW50fWolGo-olwoNRkENL-2b0FuNVzpW-rEpoy3SszVmMwd8HEbDWM48gvWuBCrjGNtcykDva3bpwUbyY0fqRolfXYY-s8U4UzPGADzjckyjE7p4UFjR60dtxtAcc7CFXgNqwgvtyNgtzr55uIAMXN7r6bnkmMBxiwAzGxf4fDM-3lR185A2qU-t4O/s960/he9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRw8YW50fWolGo-olwoNRkENL-2b0FuNVzpW-rEpoy3SszVmMwd8HEbDWM48gvWuBCrjGNtcykDva3bpwUbyY0fqRolfXYY-s8U4UzPGADzjckyjE7p4UFjR60dtxtAcc7CFXgNqwgvtyNgtzr55uIAMXN7r6bnkmMBxiwAzGxf4fDM-3lR185A2qU-t4O/w640-h360/he9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The effects here are cheap, but decent. The make-up/costume for the doll is colourful and a little hard to take seriously, but that only makes it more fun to watch! One thing I really loved was the studio logo sequence that begins the film! It's endearingly cheap, but also visually neat! Who doesn't love an Aztec pyramid, some lush greenery, and tribal fluting to open a movie. It's especially nice seeing reminders of Mexico's indigenous past in their media.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2txUAosDgLHbKW2dgdWEDsrvT83wl3v9MhcpU2fcWlqzq_6CmF7wjiPQaLlSL2nK6tliLdJaJbI9QvTMKkyoMXtFuiDkF1IQQzypohX-k2SvGv_cTuAH9GUWketls2WKapA-bvBPmcV9yCCQJbbZquzj659nRj92peX0WaeMDX4fNkjZTvobEIcYIBRv/s960/he10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2txUAosDgLHbKW2dgdWEDsrvT83wl3v9MhcpU2fcWlqzq_6CmF7wjiPQaLlSL2nK6tliLdJaJbI9QvTMKkyoMXtFuiDkF1IQQzypohX-k2SvGv_cTuAH9GUWketls2WKapA-bvBPmcV9yCCQJbbZquzj659nRj92peX0WaeMDX4fNkjZTvobEIcYIBRv/w640-h360/he10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Herencia Diabolica is a movie that was alllmost good! In a cheesy z-grade trash sorta way, but good all the same! But it squanders its potential, and is a pretty boring watch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is for <a href="http://deadlydollshouse.blogspot.com/2024/02/whats-matter-with-kids-today.html">The Shortening</a>, a blogathon set up by Emily of <a href="http://deadlydollshouse.blogspot.com.au/">The Deadly Dolls House of Horror Nonsense</a>.</i></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-1465044138502371842024-02-02T04:20:00.000-08:002024-02-29T07:21:50.349-08:00The Hoboken Chicken Emergency (1984) [The Deadly Doll's House of Horror Nonsense's The Shortening] <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjRqNZVT7TO919Fw8Iv0q5Rf-biMusrf-IjKl63t9QBhr9XE1I5ETL3s9sBNijB7-PONpKqPOfCdk7xOmwXWY7mrgAMNjcYZmbrvLTjRIhxzbkzy5flSkkMRbo9vyQI7LGwua7Dl7r4IiTxqGPLQHqtD438WVEItjIX_Zu-34oRbgKs-1eqRNtBdf2FSG/s475/ho.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjRqNZVT7TO919Fw8Iv0q5Rf-biMusrf-IjKl63t9QBhr9XE1I5ETL3s9sBNijB7-PONpKqPOfCdk7xOmwXWY7mrgAMNjcYZmbrvLTjRIhxzbkzy5flSkkMRbo9vyQI7LGwua7Dl7r4IiTxqGPLQHqtD438WVEItjIX_Zu-34oRbgKs-1eqRNtBdf2FSG/s16000/ho.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The New Jersey city of Hoboken is in the midst of a crisis. Thanks to a trucking dispute, there may be no turkeys for Thanksgiving! Young lad Arthur is sent out by his dad to find a turkey before the shortage really kicks in. Instead a slight detour takes Arthur to the residence of a mad scientist, who's more than willing to give the boy a live chicken for the money...with a difference. No. 73, <i>aka</i> Henrietta, is a 10 foot chicken. Despite his surprise Arthur takes his new pet home, and they bond quickly. But will his parents accept her? And how will the rest of the community react?...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZFofI3Yh0_55zVJeqxrxnLzJQFtQCkbnFslW-jwApEqXqfR-r0XgYsLH6vrPYmmWNnulqM5_mNP8ZFZ2EK2_LV12nObgWJoo7Gt3l-UwCbCHvr1JNHx8jnCRWEo2x2ZCjaukD16VLqqdPukoKCB3G9dEy94xiYrXV_CeA6VrAIw0lLBOqXOzFRMUWxG-/s960/ho1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZFofI3Yh0_55zVJeqxrxnLzJQFtQCkbnFslW-jwApEqXqfR-r0XgYsLH6vrPYmmWNnulqM5_mNP8ZFZ2EK2_LV12nObgWJoo7Gt3l-UwCbCHvr1JNHx8jnCRWEo2x2ZCjaukD16VLqqdPukoKCB3G9dEy94xiYrXV_CeA6VrAIw0lLBOqXOzFRMUWxG-/w640-h360/ho1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbo2ZEJKZEVbZH3lf18ipa-vknZ41YmZ-nnV7IvGLWR3jcFNobAyr4tn2NFADHqBEpx5E3mIXAshTOK5nYGZFZEB0DNU4MRHmoZRw0_qErQxPqP2xmliWzjH6p03OkGQm9teGpYY6c0JjA_LVZDp7_qJ_OzeEoQvpU5XUZ61KEmg7EL_otDUDdb2cR_j0i/s960/ho2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbo2ZEJKZEVbZH3lf18ipa-vknZ41YmZ-nnV7IvGLWR3jcFNobAyr4tn2NFADHqBEpx5E3mIXAshTOK5nYGZFZEB0DNU4MRHmoZRw0_qErQxPqP2xmliWzjH6p03OkGQm9teGpYY6c0JjA_LVZDp7_qJ_OzeEoQvpU5XUZ61KEmg7EL_otDUDdb2cR_j0i/w640-h360/ho2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Hoboken Chicken Emergency is an amazingly titled TV movie, based on a book. This is chintzy 80s TV in the best way, from the Scott Joplin soundalike music, to the almost-pantomime effects, and the kooky characters, right down to the VHS/channel bumpers. The story is basic and silly. It doesn't require you to turn your brain on, although this sense of childlike logic does make you wonder a few things!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUky5TLU1669YPhtXlqkI3ZiE5loo2QZwW1mGwUAI1Fqm_EaGkVMrb7JSZWlDaAW0SUclQtIjX3EZYGdHWwYgLyxLR-_QjF5ueXcqDFaJZ_Crd8wKWxje9fvTMMMuOX5KHnRY6A-bvqgTs7juEke0ro261rgBS08aArqmnHmPaLmIsK1BuZ6zyrvCUnZUa/s960/ho3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUky5TLU1669YPhtXlqkI3ZiE5loo2QZwW1mGwUAI1Fqm_EaGkVMrb7JSZWlDaAW0SUclQtIjX3EZYGdHWwYgLyxLR-_QjF5ueXcqDFaJZ_Crd8wKWxje9fvTMMMuOX5KHnRY6A-bvqgTs7juEke0ro261rgBS08aArqmnHmPaLmIsK1BuZ6zyrvCUnZUa/w640-h360/ho3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When protagonist Arthur is out looking for a turkey, he notices a feathery commotion up a few stories, involving a strange man hanging out the window. So he decides it'd be a smart idea to go up and investigate! Thankfully he's not in a horror movie, and meets up with a mad scientist. Because of course they frequent New Jersey, and if you haven't seen 'em you're just not going to the right places. There he manages to walk away with a 266 pound superchicken for only $20 bucks! Might not've been what he wanted, but that's a great bargain!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite initial skepticism Arthur and Henrietta quickly become friends, and he even teaches her how to use a slide, and calms her down during a few local panics. But it's when he's forced by his father to take her back, and she escapes that the chaos really begins.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnoP7AJCzPjNHP8EL9tt6_SkhIc_7JHmzXjxxlxpTIJqbvzQsvGxQX-rZeoh4YOJRXBTom6hu5zbCMS3TB1OE0z7Lr5_FM92apXudMAutW7BQc6DGK9KJKmipEvxlgy-gNC7md43vYz4ab1JQq12YFGZsLxYXeoRBYsblGXKhPacaMeC0iL06NCQVcU6m/s960/ho4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnoP7AJCzPjNHP8EL9tt6_SkhIc_7JHmzXjxxlxpTIJqbvzQsvGxQX-rZeoh4YOJRXBTom6hu5zbCMS3TB1OE0z7Lr5_FM92apXudMAutW7BQc6DGK9KJKmipEvxlgy-gNC7md43vYz4ab1JQq12YFGZsLxYXeoRBYsblGXKhPacaMeC0iL06NCQVcU6m/w640-h360/ho4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No-one in the film questions the existence of a giant chicken, and react as if a monster is on the loose, even coming up with an unflattering nickname. Henrietta feels very distressed by this, and begins vandalising the town in response. Kicking cars, knocking over bins, smashing windows, etc. So what's a town to do when tormented by mutant fowl? Well they try the Jaws route, hiring an out-of-town fixer, leading to a zany failed scheme. But it's Arthur who comes up with the winning idea, with the scientist's help. All Hoboken must do is remind Henrietta that she's a loved and valued part of the community! Naturally. They do this with emblazoned shirts, and billboards saying things like 'Have you hugged your chicken today?'.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62jkAPqI45YUn5yQxQW6QR4rVycLOYpIIJoAbfUMCsI-_bLXHYTl0dyR_ZEyOJIeEoYYqzy_moYGy6C_NgRqbgM27gPpbIx6YtgnkGrU9m9yjrQKIOqipEPlOKp7Y_Gamq94Y46OisZhPnw5abJOdaq6g_hbln8jYPrpN9hG1Os-lIQNsf0JjBS-9z-AT/s960/ho8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62jkAPqI45YUn5yQxQW6QR4rVycLOYpIIJoAbfUMCsI-_bLXHYTl0dyR_ZEyOJIeEoYYqzy_moYGy6C_NgRqbgM27gPpbIx6YtgnkGrU9m9yjrQKIOqipEPlOKp7Y_Gamq94Y46OisZhPnw5abJOdaq6g_hbln8jYPrpN9hG1Os-lIQNsf0JjBS-9z-AT/w640-h360/ho8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is enough to bring the community closer and warm them to Henrietta, ending her rampage. And there's a heartfelt reunion between a boy and his chicken, complete with multiple slow-motion replay. It's a schmaltzy conclusion, and one that may leave you groaning or clapping.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot5002S7NaEWF0jFBpDUryaCLrReRHzbBusm5npJoKPM9ilLEu4GpPHMlKn49Txz5noOtps8fIFBlxNr_WGSocBuuy2TFuQbU73Cg5KcHb6F9OAc9gIY-B1CN_SB04WnaEUyYutMhiThrAvAYXUW_3eE1R_xkPSO0Zf4wdT2YH8zhyrwVezaB_hF7GhK_/s960/ho5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot5002S7NaEWF0jFBpDUryaCLrReRHzbBusm5npJoKPM9ilLEu4GpPHMlKn49Txz5noOtps8fIFBlxNr_WGSocBuuy2TFuQbU73Cg5KcHb6F9OAc9gIY-B1CN_SB04WnaEUyYutMhiThrAvAYXUW_3eE1R_xkPSO0Zf4wdT2YH8zhyrwVezaB_hF7GhK_/w640-h360/ho5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Peter Billingsley is a mixed lead. Some of his line deliveries are pretty bad, with awkward pauses. But others are decent, and he overall has a decent screen presence. You can totally see this as like an extended dress rehearsal for A Christmas Story! So fans of that movie, you owe much to Hoboken Chicken Emergency! The parents do fine, as does Clive Revill as the mad scientist. One of his disguises might be a little...questionable, but at least he's not actually in yellowface! Dick van Patten is fine as the shifty mayor, and Gabe Kaplan shows up for a short role. Alice Ghostley narrates the film, acting as though she's intimately acquainted with events, despite only having a couple of short scenes. And Henrietta plays her part well. Chickens are talented actors after all!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuVw8y4NOiOKfmQen8ozyaOqFLX-j94yGY_iJToVyCXdRjx945LNZMEIVTlMQhSo2q5k43K75V_DUkYelnHt8JoaYvmSpALfUX2thWkEgxkByh7B8OqOpQLZu3uPJGr01Mu8ssFwCgSOgW2YwL0mRloaGi4Stq_9C4EmV3_ZzYtYdtSWSnURZnCgdILUz/s960/ho6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuVw8y4NOiOKfmQen8ozyaOqFLX-j94yGY_iJToVyCXdRjx945LNZMEIVTlMQhSo2q5k43K75V_DUkYelnHt8JoaYvmSpALfUX2thWkEgxkByh7B8OqOpQLZu3uPJGr01Mu8ssFwCgSOgW2YwL0mRloaGi4Stq_9C4EmV3_ZzYtYdtSWSnURZnCgdILUz/w640-h360/ho6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The effects here are...exactly what you'd expect on a TV budget! The opening credits look like they were drawn in crayon and put through a cheap slideshow. While other effects are fake, deliberately so. Giant chicken Henrietta is the main attraction, and she is suitably goofy. I don't think <i>convincing</i> is exactly the right word to describe her, but you can't deny it is a giant chicken! And it's well-designed, and just cheesy enough, but not too much of a joke.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C0BrX7TNEOGDYvuwXBfQGeVSlpERH5gdZVplMBL6e8PMJbOqxa0COFf8roS_QlOYoRWbkkL66pjRSl85VSEAhghdn6dgBcYpJK3qhvRIg3AoCKIlP3Ebdbx79qI8hlQ0M8uXfc6koVKLV-ZQ55_Isc6l1m_y1iq0XB9-xnMcv3NQhd9vybj78ZV6-BSX/s960/ho9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C0BrX7TNEOGDYvuwXBfQGeVSlpERH5gdZVplMBL6e8PMJbOqxa0COFf8roS_QlOYoRWbkkL66pjRSl85VSEAhghdn6dgBcYpJK3qhvRIg3AoCKIlP3Ebdbx79qI8hlQ0M8uXfc6koVKLV-ZQ55_Isc6l1m_y1iq0XB9-xnMcv3NQhd9vybj78ZV6-BSX/w640-h360/ho9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Hoboken Chicken Emergency is a cute little time waster, running at an easy 55 minutes. Nothing amazing, and very silly, but if you're after a zero-budget kids movie about giant chickens rampaging across New Jersey, this is perhaps your only chance. So enjoy!...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is for <a href="http://deadlydollshouse.blogspot.com/2024/02/whats-matter-with-kids-today.html">The Shortening</a>, a blogathon set up by Emily of <a href="http://deadlydollshouse.blogspot.com.au/">The Deadly Dolls House of Horror Nonsense</a>.</i></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-75960903826943723392024-01-22T23:48:00.000-08:002024-02-02T05:03:05.759-08:00Suspiria (2018)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpb7x43-12otw-8ISKaixP6a3LfP8Rhmsi_5h_KUOM9ObH9h_s1rTMtJCD_UGGshun3du6cTGZRuyXPHBmzdUie6DPKitiNCXcbuX-adyqK9P-EzydFMeTun0dLUCCCjtZE35qoyeoGXa2_mgpgFY1wxdbzn_1oM7V6DkBP1mgTZvGzrpMDJ03fE2F9nP/s820/sus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="532" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpb7x43-12otw-8ISKaixP6a3LfP8Rhmsi_5h_KUOM9ObH9h_s1rTMtJCD_UGGshun3du6cTGZRuyXPHBmzdUie6DPKitiNCXcbuX-adyqK9P-EzydFMeTun0dLUCCCjtZE35qoyeoGXa2_mgpgFY1wxdbzn_1oM7V6DkBP1mgTZvGzrpMDJ03fE2F9nP/w415-h640/sus.jpg" width="415" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It feels like just about every classic horror film has been remade, usually for the worse. For every Fly, Thing, or Blob, you have absolute dreck, existing solely as cash grabs. The same was almost true for Suspiria, with talk of an American remake going on for years. Mercifully this all fell through, but a remake would soon be in the cards anyway, courtesy of recent talent Luca Guadagnino. Does it live up to the original, or is it just another bad copy?...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Young American Suzy Bannion has just arrived in Berlin, 1977, to join the prestigious Markos dance academy. She's allured by the city, and enigmatic instructor Madame Blanc. But strange things are afoot. The spectre of domestic unrest looms over all, one girl has gone missing, and a psychiatrist's investigations prove dangerous. It becomes apparent this school is led by a coven of witches, who have sinister plans for their students...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguk3sRo-M__ANdLWVNXs6A7kM50zNkL3Kdwir9TB-kH6w5bIcWPImvd7Zx7XKNOkpPKOh3yWZdL-vUukRiQWm8n8ZdjCIE9mxvia3-K-frJ_6hmmtkXtKmd0RCW_tPR6RW7Ike0UMs8BhL9U7BCSPQt-RSg27VtlXM_mNQl1vlQkuwMpELaIBn828VyRSr/s960/sus2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguk3sRo-M__ANdLWVNXs6A7kM50zNkL3Kdwir9TB-kH6w5bIcWPImvd7Zx7XKNOkpPKOh3yWZdL-vUukRiQWm8n8ZdjCIE9mxvia3-K-frJ_6hmmtkXtKmd0RCW_tPR6RW7Ike0UMs8BhL9U7BCSPQt-RSg27VtlXM_mNQl1vlQkuwMpELaIBn828VyRSr/w640-h360/sus2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Suspiria 2018 is a film with a lot to admire and criticise, with my feelings skewing towards the latter. Firstly, this is a 2-and-a-half hour arthouse horror film. That alone should serve as a warning sign, but also show that Luca at least had the merit to try something new and unique, instead of just a safe lazy retread. It also helps that this technically isn't an American film.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">As a remake this is...mixed. It makes a conscious effort to be different, which I applaud! It's not just a play-by-play of the original with updated effects. Instead it takes the base of the original to create something new. However, I felt it went a bit far in the opposite direction at times, having so little to do with the source material at times you wonder why they bothered. I also wish there were some recreations of familiar scenes, just to see Luca's version of the opening double murder!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Luca himself has distanced himself from calling his Suspiria a remake, preferring to call it a homage instead...A homage using the exact same name, plot, and
characters as the original. Riiight. I get annoyed when people try and argue
their film isn't a remake but a reimagining (same thing, assholes!),
but this is really pushing it. Of course Suspiria is a remake of
Suspiria. Luca should just own that (very obvious) fact, rather than hide it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQ9vfQR5ruIISdvMewtYrvUzP2clz50olodbyt4JU_ToziZLM_w4GP35EmnWOi8Xdz5t0ZVEau3riTIUKDeCVBbyk2FcqoJFxinOOOorGreTqdTuI4vg40Um_WWp7OsEqiJP4utoqyynnVfPQXGdzrbjbmU-AZvmvYlEEP_iHsgoF80ekiEM1VCFWEi1v/s960/sus3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQ9vfQR5ruIISdvMewtYrvUzP2clz50olodbyt4JU_ToziZLM_w4GP35EmnWOi8Xdz5t0ZVEau3riTIUKDeCVBbyk2FcqoJFxinOOOorGreTqdTuI4vg40Um_WWp7OsEqiJP4utoqyynnVfPQXGdzrbjbmU-AZvmvYlEEP_iHsgoF80ekiEM1VCFWEi1v/w640-h360/sus3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As its own film, I found Suspiria 2018 to be crushingly slow! It's far too long, and very little happens. It takes forever for anything of note to occur. For example, there's no opening murder, and the first death scene is 40 minutes in! That's almost half the original film! It doesn't even take advantage of this time and introduce us to anyone, or explore/expand the characters. We may not know a lot about the girls in the '77 version, but at least we know they are SSNNAKESSSS. Half an hour into this film I knew one girl (as to yet unseen) was named Olga, and another Sara, and I couldn't have told you a thing about them, even what they looked like.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The story here isn't particularly epic. Instead each scene feels like it goes on far too long, and many are unnecessary. There are also particularly unwelcome bits like seeing our heroine take a piss (without even taking off the leotard, ewww!). Like, I get why, they're witches, and collect stuff like that, but dialogue can do plenty! The dialogue also feels a little...gratuitous at times? I don't mind swearing period, but it feels like instead of saying something like a normal person, characters here say stuff like 'They're going to eat my
cunt!'. It also feels like very modern swearing too, although that might
be nothing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l7LqpHShbDUSxz5AyHK0pKLgf4v1QugZzxMC0pnblhcF64yprYIrhAMzpPbfbdtEHeziJB-ipNZ6iWwgTVUXqjBPQE0M1QS79Nm0q8W-x__LG8ptNqbKVorttVj5rVK4cOKmOVPc7AZkqgK1fOs5ab43HgI0r9EAW5k1cF1-B6JGFxzMSPM_p53TZfx2/s960/sus4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l7LqpHShbDUSxz5AyHK0pKLgf4v1QugZzxMC0pnblhcF64yprYIrhAMzpPbfbdtEHeziJB-ipNZ6iWwgTVUXqjBPQE0M1QS79Nm0q8W-x__LG8ptNqbKVorttVj5rVK4cOKmOVPc7AZkqgK1fOs5ab43HgI0r9EAW5k1cF1-B6JGFxzMSPM_p53TZfx2/w640-h360/sus4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film is divided into chapters (as well as a prologue and epilogue), which can be obnoxious when done wrong. Nothing about Suspiria feels segmented, and the titles waver between pretentious and dull. Boring like 1977, or Borrowing, neat like The Palace of Tears, then the frankly obnoxious Inside the Mutterhaus (All the Floors are Darkness). None of these titles make much sense either.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Suspiria 2018 is rich in themes...allegedly. There's been a lot from the director and others about themes of motherhood, fascism, communism, terrorism, national guilt, and more. That all sounds a bit of a hodgepodge to me, and much of it is barely touched upon. It almost feels like it's just throwing ideas at the screen and inviting us to figure out. Which can work, but other times it just feels lazy, like an artist who couldn't be bothered finishing the job, and wants us to do all the hard work.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This leads into one of the film's biggest elements, bafflingly-Politics! Luca felt it was a missed opportunity that the original Suspiria took place in a turbulent period of Germany's history, and his film rectifies that by giving us constant history lessons about local politics before anything scary has even happened. Much of it amounts to basically namedropping. We hear chatter on the TV/radio, graffiti, characters talking about it. This never amounts to much but background window dressing, yet it dominates so much of the film, to the detriment of other things, like the story itself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSVwjXGkiEEb5Jv4wGMTYiChkVP9c2NxFwjnE5PVePTPw8aEzSGPkt5x3g4CoPz_Yxl3T6Dcc59blgTFtFzJ23U3fC1pLFb0F-LLWMgRXVcnhiphrBcL7JxBOoKmJVWQXzxVTA_OYdPao6jQyF1684Pie-1Fc8iqOkaU2HBHLAUjFRDqfLIUqimEujRGC/s960/sus1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSVwjXGkiEEb5Jv4wGMTYiChkVP9c2NxFwjnE5PVePTPw8aEzSGPkt5x3g4CoPz_Yxl3T6Dcc59blgTFtFzJ23U3fC1pLFb0F-LLWMgRXVcnhiphrBcL7JxBOoKmJVWQXzxVTA_OYdPao6jQyF1684Pie-1Fc8iqOkaU2HBHLAUjFRDqfLIUqimEujRGC/w640-h360/sus1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Luca
should've realised this wasn't The Little Drummer Girl, and known what
to leave out. This makes me admire the restraint of the original, which
wasn't just set during a turbulent part of Germany's history, it was <i>made</i> during it, yet doesn't focus
on any of this stuff. Because it simply has nothing to do with the
story. And it goes to show how life goes on during such times, as well
as how the troubles of the outside world doesn't penetrate the boundaries of the
magical Black Forest.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not saying having a political connection to the witchery is a bad idea, and it could've been interesting thematically. There's a single line from a skeptic about magic meaning to perpetuate chaos that could've been expanded on. Instead we just get constant reminders that German terrorists exist, Berlin has a wall, and that's it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The characters here are pretty dull and one-note, and there are so many people here with so little to do. Suzy is a little passive. She has a decent Mennonite backstory, which plays well into her character. The film verges on overexplaining her desires. In the original she just wanted to study at a German academy because. Not everything needs a reason (although admittedly the one given here is a good one). She also didn't choose Berlin next to the Wall during terrorism season!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She quickly develops a connection with Madame Blanc, even having a confusing telepathic convo, with no real precedence before or after. Susie also seems to know things we haven't seen her learn.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSSUs3_rctEl0Ejp3dj7I7LmcIN-tk3XT-zM5BNDPnj9Sz3j_2mKalgfFWl1nKP7-sUnPqXhACgwEq6XZXIvI_jw78Cha2fdHxljkAJ3NafZPFDPwRHIEU9ctdVoBPY4cr5QGjpedcszNpHC17l6oKJhGbnTMDKx6S5GPyBVlazpXoWBk6mG08mCB3kMd/s960/sus5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSSUs3_rctEl0Ejp3dj7I7LmcIN-tk3XT-zM5BNDPnj9Sz3j_2mKalgfFWl1nKP7-sUnPqXhACgwEq6XZXIvI_jw78Cha2fdHxljkAJ3NafZPFDPwRHIEU9ctdVoBPY4cr5QGjpedcszNpHC17l6oKJhGbnTMDKx6S5GPyBVlazpXoWBk6mG08mCB3kMd/w640-h360/sus5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As in the original film, it's Sara who investigates the academy's weirdness, reluctantly at first. She does ok, before her death. The other girls barely get any dialogue, even the few important ones.<br /></div><p></p><p>Dr. Josef Klemperer is the other lead, and a good presence. And old man, and survivor of WWII, he tries to help, not believing in witches at first. But they believe in him, and he's smart enough not to keep doubting when they're rocking up on his doorstep. Given his age and frailty he's not much of an action protagonist, but more of a thematic one, carrying guilt for being unable to save or find his wife, or stop the nazis.<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">The instructors are ok. Madame Blanc gets the most depth, neither good or evil. Tanner is as unnecessary as she was in the old film, and I keep getting their names mixed up. The others are just there, with the odd crazy moment every now and then (like the police...encounter). We see too much of the coven, and it loses mystique. It also doesn't help that they rarely do any magic. Helena Markos only appears in the last act, and does next to nothing. Consistent with the old film, but we felt her presence more there, and there was a connection to the titular character this version lacks.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One area the film <i>really</i> lacks in is having anything to do with the Three Mothers! Beyond some brief lip service, hours apart, there's nothing to go on. I feel that separating Markos and Mater Suspiriorum was a mistake, as it means she wasn't orchestrating the whole film's events, and only has a presence in the last few minutes. Not enough is explained about the Three Mothers or why Suspiriorum was locked away. Was she even locked away? There's being mysterious and then there's genuinely having no idea what's going on. I do find it interesting though how benevolent she's presented! Makes me wonder how sequels would go.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPlo9pjaiZHlwNiSVoIISYyxKKCBajHeFRwhkbEqTC8Lli-Nt7sYgl9BKBmeGMOfY7poPAeQUlk4yor0Xwx0itIOb4VC-D3XDjeKi1R68p4Q260y2mW9XKvyqZHEL03BuvhnbQasgluNImZqVYsyDJaRjmRbRF0qJVhRdvPdC8izPuve_6ue1pEzzk1VT/s960/sus9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPlo9pjaiZHlwNiSVoIISYyxKKCBajHeFRwhkbEqTC8Lli-Nt7sYgl9BKBmeGMOfY7poPAeQUlk4yor0Xwx0itIOb4VC-D3XDjeKi1R68p4Q260y2mW9XKvyqZHEL03BuvhnbQasgluNImZqVYsyDJaRjmRbRF0qJVhRdvPdC8izPuve_6ue1pEzzk1VT/w640-h360/sus9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMYCWJ6r6FnWfxJWzIyIS0OsPOOb7wMIMoblaVjWHaHXUKgm-a8izTf52jFidQ_kM8m_luy8mv5litmk_JA58uPCczfySrHxZlS2ULexAG3vgbBS4t5lNAz8Ob9S7cupW40smRhZ4tSoGDrpYPKFGPaJxQ9LOYhjzLEUSFklHXRV3tU4BhqXqthwVe4DF/s960/sus10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMYCWJ6r6FnWfxJWzIyIS0OsPOOb7wMIMoblaVjWHaHXUKgm-a8izTf52jFidQ_kM8m_luy8mv5litmk_JA58uPCczfySrHxZlS2ULexAG3vgbBS4t5lNAz8Ob9S7cupW40smRhZ4tSoGDrpYPKFGPaJxQ9LOYhjzLEUSFklHXRV3tU4BhqXqthwVe4DF/w640-h360/sus10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">An area the old Suspiria may have lacked in is dance. This update seeks to change that with a much bigger focus. I'd say a little too much, but I appreciate the thought. I wasn't much of a fan of the style. In the original they were just a normal dance academy, but here they're avant-garde weirdos! But then again this is Europe in the 70s. I can totally buy that. The dances themselves are surprisingly good. The big performance is a great setpiece, even if the make-up and nude red ribbon costumes are laughable.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to say, by the hour and 50 minute mark things finally start picking up a bit. I'm still not loving it, and this obviously doesn't make up for everything before, but it was nice to actually be entertained. This leads to the last act, which is where the movie goes all out in witchcraft and violence, and the plot finally become clear.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSThNbu1eLEwGUcCh_BHCM6iUsOJhfbD_JXs746PMKGeRPI6lm4C2WE7GeXMPfQZYArJ3iYcG-MZO01t5aD6GRWtnMhmCk56F-x-KBZM_NOmzB8Rx3KofBb-i4lU5vLKtQrhOTVmJoRXe8imrp3hS88h5YRLJ8w0afvKxrU04TRqTX44JxXQ_O5huAtdDo/s960/sus8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSThNbu1eLEwGUcCh_BHCM6iUsOJhfbD_JXs746PMKGeRPI6lm4C2WE7GeXMPfQZYArJ3iYcG-MZO01t5aD6GRWtnMhmCk56F-x-KBZM_NOmzB8Rx3KofBb-i4lU5vLKtQrhOTVmJoRXe8imrp3hS88h5YRLJ8w0afvKxrU04TRqTX44JxXQ_O5huAtdDo/w640-h360/sus8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The final reveal, where there's more to Susie than meets the eye, comes a little out of nowhere. There's no explanation, but I think it's an interesting idea. The climax is a little basic. Mater Suspiriorum shows up, then kills everybody. Not the most dramatically satisfying on paper, but it's handled well onscreen though.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ending is a grueling 10 minutes long. Klemperer and Susie have a nice exchange, as they discuss the final moments of his wife. It's sweet, despite the tragedy of the story. Although the scene is nullified when Susie immediately wipes his memory of everything. The film ends on a quiet note, then we get a post credits scene that doesn't add much, even as a sequel hook.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The acting here is a highlight! In a way. I wish everyone would speak up, but they otherwise deliver very good performances! Dakota Johnson is a strong lead, with a lowkey but effective performance, which really shines in the last act. Mia Goth is a nice presence. Elena Fokina doesn't have a huge part, but is a real trooper in the parts she does get! Chloe Grace Moretz is ok in a disappointingly small role.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While Tilda Swinton is her typical self, weird and ethereal, with a commanding tone. However in Suspiria she pulls triple duty, also playing Helena Markos, and Dr. Klemperer. Her turn as Markos is fun though nigh impossible to understand, and doesn't get enough time. And she also plays the male role of the Dr. under the pseudonym of Lutz Ebersdorf. She does well, and the illusion is mostly seamless, though there are times when you can tell. Not sure what prompted this idea beyond a general fancy, and it never plays into the story, but it's a good addition. Swinton's German has gotta be complimented too, although it's not surprising someone as artistic as she would fluent in continental tongues.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NewDlLJlFMPKrc81DuiCyZpZZhI8JlB1ar6oUVqngLaJKcWGBiCM8-99l-0odc8cW5b8Zpq7Fxi5R_rN2GZ7wUVYJorLichDsTnzcu3LSnyuLP8aEetJo91uv3AtUJtgkwQU9zyeblSmQ-3btPFYq3m6NEyoTMdCNiJMl4Oh_VUs8slJ30n7Z1A9sI-K/s960/sus11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NewDlLJlFMPKrc81DuiCyZpZZhI8JlB1ar6oUVqngLaJKcWGBiCM8-99l-0odc8cW5b8Zpq7Fxi5R_rN2GZ7wUVYJorLichDsTnzcu3LSnyuLP8aEetJo91uv3AtUJtgkwQU9zyeblSmQ-3btPFYq3m6NEyoTMdCNiJMl4Oh_VUs8slJ30n7Z1A9sI-K/w640-h360/sus11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a very bilingual film, switching between English to German (and even a smattering of French) at random. Films like this can work, but here it just felt distracting. Nothing is accomplished beyond ultra realism, but there is a reason characters only ever speak one language in movies, despite the unreality. At several moments I was thinking "English, motherfucker! Pick a language and stick with it!". The subtitles are decent, and come with snazzy colours, as well as captions at times.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">[The audio is a weak area in the
film. I was having such a hard time hearing a lot of the dialogue! It
got to the point where I heard what I thought was 'patrician', and I
strained my ear to hear what I thought was a conversation about the ills
of patriarchy...before realising they only said <i>Patricia</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The direction in Suspiria is another high point. Luca has a great eye for visuals, with some abstract imagery too. The dances are captured well. The editing gets a bit too frenetic for my tastes at times, but the worst of it is in dream sequences that are meant to be chaotic.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Less stellar for me was the colour. While the original is renowned for its garish appearance, Luca wanted to distinguish his own version. A good call! He gives his Suspiria a more muted colour palette, intended to evoke a wintery feel. It's not bad, but my issue with it is the same issue I have with most films nowadays. There's no colour! It's like watching gray sludge. I wish he had've found a better middle ground than making the film look drab. The finale gets to stand out with some good red light, though it does make seeing who dies and how a little difficult once things kick off.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjo-J1DqWUCd1CtfrYnowR64uH9BwcxQ8s603hjrgEwjVzA55s3C46bIw4nkVUhJwBjrHhoeRU9pbdVwApaSKnyP0kbUYBW385-31-V6W5DtDJYUBonHOGKZlR8s_tJV3hEcZEkLuXJQi2BFcRlzccCwtmC7PU3yniiorJX39ETAvsWdd4Qk-tccTGDpv/s960/sus6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjo-J1DqWUCd1CtfrYnowR64uH9BwcxQ8s603hjrgEwjVzA55s3C46bIw4nkVUhJwBjrHhoeRU9pbdVwApaSKnyP0kbUYBW385-31-V6W5DtDJYUBonHOGKZlR8s_tJV3hEcZEkLuXJQi2BFcRlzccCwtmC7PU3yniiorJX39ETAvsWdd4Qk-tccTGDpv/w640-h360/sus6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I really liked the end credits. I dig the colour of the background, which is cooler than just a routine black screen. The title font is neat, as are the skewed credits (even if it does make them a little hard to read). And I like what it credits too! Things like the artists for the portraits. Stuff that usually doesn't get specific credits.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The effects are a mix of practical and CGI. The big death scenes all look good. One gets pretty gnarly, though at a certain point it stops resembling something even human, and just an effect. But that could be a positive for some, so I won't nitpick. Some bits in the climax look a little fake, but there's some ok gore, and the 'chest opening' is a neat image! The prosthetics for old man Tilda are pretty convincing, and Markos is suitably grotesque.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The music here is...different! Composed by Thom Yorke of Radiohead, it's pretty lowkey and muted throughout the film, not going out of its way to be scary. Instead it builds more of a moody atmosphere, and includes actual songs performed by Yorke and his odd falsetto voice (he didn't used to sound like that, did he?). While your mileage may vary on his voice, and the style, I mooostly liked them. I wish he'd taken more pages out of, say, Goblin or Keith Emerson's book, but I admire the experimental touch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZusrTczZdbUXP1CGi6C31asbpWIwpmGC7ZOs0kSlnoeHI21ebNipcchsjkgSoCQBHLj3TN1r1pWh4cZeyiBP9SbD_QHLyH3sDcgavEi1PjYY1fflvljjVqN9UgGO6lXPjEYtr43glfsXsTifc7lAbBTEif3LRte2FOFhO8UDBrMeKd2bJ8_sx8owXNJ0P/s960/sus7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZusrTczZdbUXP1CGi6C31asbpWIwpmGC7ZOs0kSlnoeHI21ebNipcchsjkgSoCQBHLj3TN1r1pWh4cZeyiBP9SbD_QHLyH3sDcgavEi1PjYY1fflvljjVqN9UgGO6lXPjEYtr43glfsXsTifc7lAbBTEif3LRte2FOFhO8UDBrMeKd2bJ8_sx8owXNJ0P/w640-h360/sus7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While Suspiria acts as a standalone film, Luca did intend on crafting a sequel, and presumably a third entry to follow. This makes sense on paper, since he is adapting a pre-existing trilogy. But given his handling of Mater Suspiriorum I'm not sure how he'd even go about the other two Mothers. I'd be interested to see, and even if his version of Lachrymarum was on par with this effort, I can still say it'd be better than Mother of Tears! The film didn't do well enough at the box office for this to happen though. I totally get this, since a near-3 hour arthouse horror was never going to do gangbusters. I kinda wish Luca could've done this for a smaller budget, to make the possibility of a sequel easier. Although I'm kinda glad this exists on its own.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Suspiria 2018 is liked or loved by some, but not me, and I don't understand those who say it's better than the original. It did too much wrong for me to feel that. I admire it for a lot of things it is, or tries to do, but the execution and runtime just killed it for me. I barely enjoyed a second, and would've much rather watched the original or its sequel...<br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-89069369608015676412024-01-22T06:49:00.000-08:002024-01-24T06:51:35.455-08:00God of Cookery (1996)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbC05pO74CzpmqYpTwuCjpDdnC12UFPACKCXEM9v2vVjBcz_F4CaErAhCF0JW3oGhxL-_vgEGxqmKE6rUzxN4eeDjBq8sZHEZoXMZWFfpcNk7IuaA421ZyqvyoRuyQFdLtk7JLL7UBytb6Rt0l-6zoPnNj3dLigyMZf7GRQkuGyDLzlyQbuq7takD9Q3D4/s750/gc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbC05pO74CzpmqYpTwuCjpDdnC12UFPACKCXEM9v2vVjBcz_F4CaErAhCF0JW3oGhxL-_vgEGxqmKE6rUzxN4eeDjBq8sZHEZoXMZWFfpcNk7IuaA421ZyqvyoRuyQFdLtk7JLL7UBytb6Rt0l-6zoPnNj3dLigyMZf7GRQkuGyDLzlyQbuq7takD9Q3D4/w426-h640/gc.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stephen Chow is a celebrity chef, known as the God of Cookery. He passes judgment on many other cooks, always negatively. He's not what he seems though, and the truth is exposed by a scheming assistant-The so-called God of Cookery is actually a fraud! Chow is sent tumbling from grace, and finds himself in a poor neighbourhood, where he gets to know the food sellers. At first things seem bleak, but their humble skills and a brainwave of his own lead to the means to make a comeback. Can Stephen reclaim his title of the God of Cookery? And will he truly deserve it this time?...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHNgVccTVKwOByi3gCPsvXhAAkpYVnE02ffeum-IAaltOL5OsXMRQWGSGQegIO9WRG92AjR3K84pG32GIeOJZZOoxvJBHYixWO0cAg40lPFFKDp1nf14sobno-n2-7Wi07wZBqcgJNMo2sBub6IFGP_4L1KekSDPH8cZ_BzQJQpkGBFYjnc1CJlZnSz8Y/s960/gc1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHNgVccTVKwOByi3gCPsvXhAAkpYVnE02ffeum-IAaltOL5OsXMRQWGSGQegIO9WRG92AjR3K84pG32GIeOJZZOoxvJBHYixWO0cAg40lPFFKDp1nf14sobno-n2-7Wi07wZBqcgJNMo2sBub6IFGP_4L1KekSDPH8cZ_BzQJQpkGBFYjnc1CJlZnSz8Y/w640-h360/gc1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">God of Cookery is another film by HK comedy madman Stephen Chow, and a fan favourite. It speaks volumes about his filmography that something this fun and beloved isn't considered his best only because of how greater his later works are.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is basically a kung fu film where the fighting is replaced by cooking (for the most part), and it really manages to work. It's an absurd comedy where anything goes. There's an unmistakeable style, and at times it almost feels like a live action anime.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QdgKMhmtovW9HlnaESHQTp2e_i7O9VfBendlnWezWblrHy86fc6CArNUbEwRgGPpsuqoQSRdLmiDbA0-QWkLVxiVEg0vhX0XxoaKP4PprpJPPnOiZyxVNW21t_PUvU80JXcZaUoGH2tAGnY7xUYWeaDuRed85MoegCDjfiZtMfcNgGvJEl9T1wTiGJgn/s960/gc5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QdgKMhmtovW9HlnaESHQTp2e_i7O9VfBendlnWezWblrHy86fc6CArNUbEwRgGPpsuqoQSRdLmiDbA0-QWkLVxiVEg0vhX0XxoaKP4PprpJPPnOiZyxVNW21t_PUvU80JXcZaUoGH2tAGnY7xUYWeaDuRed85MoegCDjfiZtMfcNgGvJEl9T1wTiGJgn/w640-h360/gc5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The humour is very Chinese, as expected, with Chow having a particular love of lowbrow jokes. Full of absurdity, slapstick, and toilet humour. Although 'pissing shrimp' really is called that in real life! This kind of comedy might not appeal to everyone, and I'm a bit hit or miss on it, but generally it works here. There was the odd moment I scrunched my nose at, but nothing serious. And when it hits it's really funny! The funniest moment for me was the 18 Bronze Men of Shaolin! I love how it builds each time, with the actors, directing, and music all going hand in hand to hilarious effect.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUiJ49vmQP_qg72oxk2nap8YT7Dsn9KxrBbeS0CxGvAyKKpCg9WkgFtSDAwApcwvXyWlrKGogl_gLSZ7KTFk9cpd1Wdob9z1q1gn8o6svr_JjDttQglSIWJjJI7CG0CFGN1CB7bixBAYiUGOZ42e3JABb7et7P9OF74LshuIF3tvhREDSWqEjD1k8_93C/s960/gc3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUiJ49vmQP_qg72oxk2nap8YT7Dsn9KxrBbeS0CxGvAyKKpCg9WkgFtSDAwApcwvXyWlrKGogl_gLSZ7KTFk9cpd1Wdob9z1q1gn8o6svr_JjDttQglSIWJjJI7CG0CFGN1CB7bixBAYiUGOZ42e3JABb7et7P9OF74LshuIF3tvhREDSWqEjD1k8_93C/w640-h360/gc3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The dialogue is also wonderfully kooky, with the things coming out of these characters' mouths perfectly matching their over-the-top world. A highlight is the judge during the climax, who spouts wisdom such as: "Good flying skills! The secret of flying skills is that it can make a man who's as heavy as steel fly up high in the sky and make ghosts cry!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ec7DCfueeS1N9YX3Pxnun7hJV7DNCN_O0yl5eBfjJnJefswfo-B2UOCv2IrP2vvVp8KmcTCtURdeAzwBxsxsTb45bLgK1eB7HN5DJORKm_GcNJL3k5v_tlak-AjVQp_Yqa9FtMXbVmduRLVmEHTj3aCPY_sI6MeLPcIljyBT94fwy0zo5SEf4BJAJQ0I/s960/gc10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ec7DCfueeS1N9YX3Pxnun7hJV7DNCN_O0yl5eBfjJnJefswfo-B2UOCv2IrP2vvVp8KmcTCtURdeAzwBxsxsTb45bLgK1eB7HN5DJORKm_GcNJL3k5v_tlak-AjVQp_Yqa9FtMXbVmduRLVmEHTj3aCPY_sI6MeLPcIljyBT94fwy0zo5SEf4BJAJQ0I/w640-h360/gc10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there's the film's presentation of cooking. It's exaggerated to the nth degree, but also rooted in reality, and there's a lot on display. Many ridiculously extravagant dishes, from fish sewn together and steamed on one side, deep fried on the other, to exquisitely carved bean curd in the shape of Buddha. And of course there's the film's signature 'pissing meatballs', which look messy and sound disgusting by name, but I'd love to try! The film satirises crazy reality cooking shows, as well as superstar chefs. There's a clear message of 'Keep it simple, stupid', but it's never mean or scathing, only gently mocking. After all, nevermind the creativity, without some of these crazy dishes there'd be nothing to give us a good laugh!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The characters here are a great bunch! The creatively named Stephen Chow starts out as a real asshole. He's rude, brash, arrogant, and treats others around him like dirt. He's harbouring a secret though, and when it's exposed he can't cook worth a damn, he's sent packing. But it's not long before he's got a new idea to get back to the top.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixurGgbFfgm9nCZNwWJ5QJrF9AvHQEfNJNTtawl0WnQ0mHd0wRQZyJmP-RP191msfm9cQOMCj8fuRUOAo_Rshf1gWP3KQGMl9Kmt34wS4nNJkgiEYLThijX0UzrXIYX7bzUpdiCxTplrrQUltRu5r3cGAwvoCV0tcetQIKOBOUBCx7lwFmnyJb1VnJ5Wzb/s960/gc2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixurGgbFfgm9nCZNwWJ5QJrF9AvHQEfNJNTtawl0WnQ0mHd0wRQZyJmP-RP191msfm9cQOMCj8fuRUOAo_Rshf1gWP3KQGMl9Kmt34wS4nNJkgiEYLThijX0UzrXIYX7bzUpdiCxTplrrQUltRu5r3cGAwvoCV0tcetQIKOBOUBCx7lwFmnyJb1VnJ5Wzb/w640-h360/gc2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What's interesting though is that Stephen isn't automatically redeemed just because he's an underdog. He's been improved by his new circumstances, but his old instincts are still there, like they've only been dialed back instead of switched off altogether. It takes a greater tragedy (or so he thinks) before he truly begins to change, and attains inner purity, signified by his hair changing colour. The film does a really good job of showing the protagonist's bad side without either sanitising it, or going too far, and we really feel it when he changes for the better.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bull Tong starts out as a lowly dogsbody, but soon proves himself to be a nasty piece of work. He turns on his master, exposing Chow and taking his title. He fancies himself a good person, but he's far worse than his predecessor.While Stephen was a ratbag, he really only cared about himself. Whereas Bull is full-on abusive, and malevolent. His lowest moment comes when he hires an assassin to finish Stephen once and for all, unknowingly spurring on his enemy's final redemption.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs4zR2HPZ6L-o8pfZJ5NuP-7Qe6qfLRYB5h-DHCBjc7BV5aAKMH0BPwhyphenhyphen8NWpDBM_5lvbUpmLt08YCk3lPpMejfYEUIPTzfc4qgk-sn7aAYL2FQfkvdObe8Qel90jVLzqDxPfbusPXAg9eGvvxtemFRl1MChgJ1qNWz9JScCJDq7s0MU3R6TWbxlljoEI/s960/gc6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs4zR2HPZ6L-o8pfZJ5NuP-7Qe6qfLRYB5h-DHCBjc7BV5aAKMH0BPwhyphenhyphen8NWpDBM_5lvbUpmLt08YCk3lPpMejfYEUIPTzfc4qgk-sn7aAYL2FQfkvdObe8Qel90jVLzqDxPfbusPXAg9eGvvxtemFRl1MChgJ1qNWz9JScCJDq7s0MU3R6TWbxlljoEI/w640-h360/gc6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Street cook Turkey is a rough tough girl, with crooked teeth and a big scar. She has an unexpected soft side though, and turns out to be a real fangirl for the God of Cookery! This adds a nice depth to her character, and she really goes the extra mile to help Stephen out, almost to the ultimate degree.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I liked the ending to their romance, but not the plastic surgery bit. It's probably only meant as a laugh I'm sure, but it makes the outcome a little superficial. Although the actress doesn't actually look that different. She still has her unique face, just cleaned up a little, and sans the scar and teeth.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQedEO_KrEDQw8x6vJTVLOWUs2AZaTRmRTX-Rz6ZUijei3RatCZAC-tax9DbbTMMLHBtmeV-MJni-degYIy2KXAPAwxJ_FaZsGHaiH1SYZuWvGOVheqhIbbcSxQPe6rUdMK2zDxd3bFRVAGckXX27MTeZ0bKn0L20k7CGwKqE4QRJgE3VfbRAfqYwS6R3/s960/gc4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQedEO_KrEDQw8x6vJTVLOWUs2AZaTRmRTX-Rz6ZUijei3RatCZAC-tax9DbbTMMLHBtmeV-MJni-degYIy2KXAPAwxJ_FaZsGHaiH1SYZuWvGOVheqhIbbcSxQPe6rUdMK2zDxd3bFRVAGckXX27MTeZ0bKn0L20k7CGwKqE4QRJgE3VfbRAfqYwS6R3/w640-h360/gc4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The supporting cast includes a few other street cooks, who are decent though blend together a bit. Then there's the...interestingly named Shaolin master, and the 18 Bronze Men of Shaolin, who are a riot!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The final act is the film at its best. Everything has built up to this moment, where everything the film has done is at its best, from the comedy, to the action, the heart, etc, all making for a great climax. The heavenly intervention comes as a perfect treat, as a homage to Chinese cinema and culture, as a testament to the bizarre, and a satisfying way to conclude things.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast in God of Cookery is over-the-top in a mostly fun way! Their performances don't just chew the scenery, they demolish it! At times it can get a bit much, but it's all part of the style, and it mostly works. Chow is a great lead, while Vincent Kok is perfect as the villain, along with Ng Man-tat. Karen Mok makes for an unconventionally looking romantic co-star, helped with some 'ugly' make-up.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqkUa6u8ufqxBCC5Px6UMAWX2H1bj2hOTyz8etqTJx6SgknY3M0bkw5-hyrtk3tEp2KigshJwHtt_OESVzA92KUrpTRfUXk4WzAMZm3aDVwnaJs8KypiNA-lYxsfo8G0B6RFJNUwqCeTsdQ-6gIIlpo6nCD0yKjY5tskwEc_XWdNmPjqR7ZWlYR7ZDQIe/s960/gc7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqkUa6u8ufqxBCC5Px6UMAWX2H1bj2hOTyz8etqTJx6SgknY3M0bkw5-hyrtk3tEp2KigshJwHtt_OESVzA92KUrpTRfUXk4WzAMZm3aDVwnaJs8KypiNA-lYxsfo8G0B6RFJNUwqCeTsdQ-6gIIlpo6nCD0yKjY5tskwEc_XWdNmPjqR7ZWlYR7ZDQIe/w640-h360/gc7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chow not only acts well but pulls off the direction, along with frequent colleague Lee Lik-Chi. Together they make a very good looking film, with great framing, stylish angles, and scenes shot in an energetic and chaotic way. All in an off-the-wall reality TV way, without ever being too jumbled.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">God of Cookery has plenty of effects, but without ever letting them dominate the picture. We have people flying about, doing wild cooking moves, blowing up, etc. These moments are accomplished with wirework, some computer effects, and plenty of practical too. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The music is fitting and enjoyable. I particularly liked the track accompanying the 18 Bronze Men, which perfectly captures the film's goofiness. Less fun was when Turkey sings, which I just found grating. And last is a fun Christmas track, which is nice to end on.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The movie ends with a blooper reel, and it's pretty good. There's not a
lot, and the last one is a bit weird, but they're nice enough. And
seeing Karen Mok cracking up while trying to do the annoying song
made it more endearing than in the movie itself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvM5dTRpO08K8SocrDOEJ7S2u6V_IiSFVHL34gVAm5VKbg8_GuSKTKQDPVw6W4YWOrJb4KP4T8-mnf8KBOvvi1xj93vVAmsPRHyHDX4DV76pcbzfiV_lTe-9w5Bk2E45-9qnyXw3I_v5IEbZ4_1a3cbAJDLbpT6jJHcNMBPF0W0cUbtbjtG3t4OOKXg_Z/s960/gc8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvM5dTRpO08K8SocrDOEJ7S2u6V_IiSFVHL34gVAm5VKbg8_GuSKTKQDPVw6W4YWOrJb4KP4T8-mnf8KBOvvi1xj93vVAmsPRHyHDX4DV76pcbzfiV_lTe-9w5Bk2E45-9qnyXw3I_v5IEbZ4_1a3cbAJDLbpT6jJHcNMBPF0W0cUbtbjtG3t4OOKXg_Z/w640-h360/gc8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_E02Ftkbvb8J4Fl-Z1RUW3UFfPy073hhyXkGY6GVWVLh8fGfPh1_40-Ye5e9GsdFjbf_WOnHcjhox1hVAtah51DTZcKpcGOc27wt57zU6PEHJsJQfcYtesyQctmKdwwj3A1BTIgyxLvnjzm57Ij_Xbpm-vz0cHRsIpetGOhaRWQRuR0ivCyph4-3MkVj/s960/gc9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_E02Ftkbvb8J4Fl-Z1RUW3UFfPy073hhyXkGY6GVWVLh8fGfPh1_40-Ye5e9GsdFjbf_WOnHcjhox1hVAtah51DTZcKpcGOc27wt57zU6PEHJsJQfcYtesyQctmKdwwj3A1BTIgyxLvnjzm57Ij_Xbpm-vz0cHRsIpetGOhaRWQRuR0ivCyph4-3MkVj/w640-h360/gc9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">God of Cookery isn't for everyone, but I found it to be a great time, and it's a perfect introduction to Stephen Chow! You'll either love him or...<br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-9650401576904924112023-12-06T04:59:00.000-08:002024-01-23T05:33:00.241-08:00Tomb of the Werewolf (2004)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoV75Ykauogm_2BRqrZeRLjLo4caxto_rndi_u-r9fEXiLD-sCaNpK-msj4Pr-gx7jz_o9axb8mQ4t-lg7gVQ_hbtMxl10GYDkxY5PcJSqwX2lD1D-27-SkWSlQo9UAuXV54g5gWT6-sNwdiorqyr0IMdZ39C6KB65ugH5tfdLKALqurUTlIVmj0CwWHcg/s752/tb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoV75Ykauogm_2BRqrZeRLjLo4caxto_rndi_u-r9fEXiLD-sCaNpK-msj4Pr-gx7jz_o9axb8mQ4t-lg7gVQ_hbtMxl10GYDkxY5PcJSqwX2lD1D-27-SkWSlQo9UAuXV54g5gWT6-sNwdiorqyr0IMdZ39C6KB65ugH5tfdLKALqurUTlIVmj0CwWHcg/w426-h640/tb.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">After
a whopping 11(ish) entries, more than most series, certainly containing the same
lead, there came something surely no-one was expecting-A 12th
Hombre Lobo film! In the mid-2000s, if you can believe it! With how horror was doing at that point, in America's DTV market no less, can this possibly live up to previous entries, let alone the position of final entry in such a longstanding series?...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8xgD1BI6NyXwG7YqtjP7D-iFPAiL4zxudDio388Ax7JI_h-6mLHujAbuAqpSx1nbl8uQGrUrdCPKJCIohL-Nk1kYESqo4EQVsBD-IqjjI0_nTTzanl0sU-lYe0Qkgnc37cN0kIG3gXZhO9DOymYNYIhKzDpAPy1zgKKavw0dwHon1y2gD7-uVKizccPT/s960/tb1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8xgD1BI6NyXwG7YqtjP7D-iFPAiL4zxudDio388Ax7JI_h-6mLHujAbuAqpSx1nbl8uQGrUrdCPKJCIohL-Nk1kYESqo4EQVsBD-IqjjI0_nTTzanl0sU-lYe0Qkgnc37cN0kIG3gXZhO9DOymYNYIhKzDpAPy1zgKKavw0dwHon1y2gD7-uVKizccPT/w640-h360/tb1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQGvtdxNbi7sx1fiGZWRRYyP8rQ5BDDlZXlOTStf4xzdohlDZhU6ehSU1HY3PGHz24-xPIv9C9vBIzlzJ-pvm22oV5bNiVUwDB8nP8IOlWg2wYaLFEvMJ235bsH9CIGeHqF16xY8YW-HAosId1PRJKNkWuzmp-T3ZS7TojCrtxoxz68wG3OF6FqkoGE7p/s960/tb2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQGvtdxNbi7sx1fiGZWRRYyP8rQ5BDDlZXlOTStf4xzdohlDZhU6ehSU1HY3PGHz24-xPIv9C9vBIzlzJ-pvm22oV5bNiVUwDB8nP8IOlWg2wYaLFEvMJ235bsH9CIGeHqF16xY8YW-HAosId1PRJKNkWuzmp-T3ZS7TojCrtxoxz68wG3OF6FqkoGE7p/w640-h360/tb2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A TV crew for a gimmicky psychic network teams up with new landowner Richard Daninsky to search for some hidden treasure at his ancestral home in Transylvania. Waiting for them is housekeeper Elizabeth, who has a dark secret. She is really Elizabeth Bathory, whose pact with the devil condemned past nobleman Waldemar Daninsky to a cursed existence. Now she seeks to bring him to life to complete her evil plans...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7-aNNhR6i5yfDw9wgq4-C_FXXkxq4bO7WY_r4Y3UtVAppjUu8J4-jg-YLraO-28G2i6OhdwfHzuwyfFyBUb6GlSKfGAZGTtNalQ6xPSYWHVdxc12pioKv69A1URo8kkkxMeRiA6sQF5jSx0-DrNk4KjifL9mWdqdBT7v7McRj9LLUgw4GUWaT3pPGEWU/s960/tb3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7-aNNhR6i5yfDw9wgq4-C_FXXkxq4bO7WY_r4Y3UtVAppjUu8J4-jg-YLraO-28G2i6OhdwfHzuwyfFyBUb6GlSKfGAZGTtNalQ6xPSYWHVdxc12pioKv69A1URo8kkkxMeRiA6sQF5jSx0-DrNk4KjifL9mWdqdBT7v7McRj9LLUgw4GUWaT3pPGEWU/w640-h360/tb3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tomb of the Werewolf came in 2004, courtesy of Fred Olen Ray of all people! Modern king of zero budget b-movies. This makes it the odd one out, and the only entry in the series not to be produced in Spain, or with Naschy behind the scenes in some capacity. It's also easily the worst received in the series! This may partly be because it's an easy target, but there's another reason-The marked lack of Paul Naschy, who's probably only in the film for 10 minutes, max.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Having now seen it for myself, I don't think Tomb is the worst film ever made (although it'd certainly hit the bottom of the series if only by default), and it's a passable enough b-grade chiller meets sexploitation. It's never really scary, and softcore porn sounds pretty unwelcome for classic horror, but for what this is it manages to be an alright mix of both worlds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLH6tksz3GVEC3HV8i-ZJ6TxE6QVn-__8gHDq7kIea7Vst17FzpycudqiWIkh7jBrsBnAWKDoWfTuh3wHFTNwCFRt2jGN22TM55-Y6Fb_ileS35EgLINMcQw7AWG-617Zourup5nsCrgfQ_VAxlIjUOwClqlzBntm6n7f5vKy3Xi5dv1GSkE2X_M-NRBs/s960/tb5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLH6tksz3GVEC3HV8i-ZJ6TxE6QVn-__8gHDq7kIea7Vst17FzpycudqiWIkh7jBrsBnAWKDoWfTuh3wHFTNwCFRt2jGN22TM55-Y6Fb_ileS35EgLINMcQw7AWG-617Zourup5nsCrgfQ_VAxlIjUOwClqlzBntm6n7f5vKy3Xi5dv1GSkE2X_M-NRBs/w640-h360/tb5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But this leads into a big issue. I'm not
sure why it's even a Hombre Lobo film. If Ray had this classic Spanish horror star for just a
few days, enough for a supporting part, it could've just been a
standalone flick. No reason why it had to be about this particular
werewolf. Instead this builds up a false expectation of what the movie will even be.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The story is basic enough. I liked the idea of a treasure hunt at a werewolf's castle, and was disappointed when this never really happens. The young folk have only just got settled when the villain starts her plan. It's a shame, since that premise has promise!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film has an alright pace, but it takes a little too long for some things to get started. By the time things finally kick off it's pretty much time for the climax.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmRsNiEerh6J7UZXsLpwr0_NjK7bhLo9c7sN3rRxeecCOWu2NAxFmK5KSl5IVi31t_ThH9Q5K1mHBnZ2vzJxBpym_ph1URThohr4aT705z-KXxzk9M3QskQPoL6iYDzBuaYe9nBfvBhXfcOxNUiLHQv_hyhNcHp2hB8KUp2WJF5dVNoSqal6YhLlCD-DC/s960/tb8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmRsNiEerh6J7UZXsLpwr0_NjK7bhLo9c7sN3rRxeecCOWu2NAxFmK5KSl5IVi31t_ThH9Q5K1mHBnZ2vzJxBpym_ph1URThohr4aT705z-KXxzk9M3QskQPoL6iYDzBuaYe9nBfvBhXfcOxNUiLHQv_hyhNcHp2hB8KUp2WJF5dVNoSqal6YhLlCD-DC/w640-h360/tb8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0Pb2asQDVWeqx9tifm07v57jt3mq3rycZs6ecuQiff_Di7hhmTqqFYGCAjV7kquG8gK0wfY7o16nXXeaw4EJE8I14Ac1rMdGXWKN5Fxk003ALUuAG-oUA7OoRZZ1RdemlvfDCoxFmW1WIctj8ZSQM87hW-FHh4DJ8RtMoajKOhSRxTnNB6FipPI8wRyp/s960/tb9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0Pb2asQDVWeqx9tifm07v57jt3mq3rycZs6ecuQiff_Di7hhmTqqFYGCAjV7kquG8gK0wfY7o16nXXeaw4EJE8I14Ac1rMdGXWKN5Fxk003ALUuAG-oUA7OoRZZ1RdemlvfDCoxFmW1WIctj8ZSQM87hW-FHh4DJ8RtMoajKOhSRxTnNB6FipPI8wRyp/w640-h360/tb9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We get our first glimpse of the werewolf in a brief flashback to Waldemar, who unwittingly makes a pact with evil to save his love Eleanor's life, only to be cursed. He disappears for almost half the film, before finally making a return, to kill some period inappropriate locals.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsAc25WxvAaXub_t3U7RY7xafCM1W03C4Abx_HvQHH1IGWUEVWabo5-i1t_3hZ6CAJPZzt-VDQX4e8mEmbkIUefCsJYHye1FQts-AcL-EZ-GpDxHoGiipHavxXCdY9z8arjX5G4h0u7PtsuCCjvr24tAk_i7v2LQaRBROhNXaeKocAol2LVU7k4g4WXXy/s960/tb4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsAc25WxvAaXub_t3U7RY7xafCM1W03C4Abx_HvQHH1IGWUEVWabo5-i1t_3hZ6CAJPZzt-VDQX4e8mEmbkIUefCsJYHye1FQts-AcL-EZ-GpDxHoGiipHavxXCdY9z8arjX5G4h0u7PtsuCCjvr24tAk_i7v2LQaRBROhNXaeKocAol2LVU7k4g4WXXy/w640-h360/tb4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The final act begins with a showdown between Bathory and defacto heroine Amanda, and it's a surprisingly quick fight! For all her strength she didn't stand much of a chance. But I'm glad, as it removes her from the board and lets the titular werewolf finally shine for the last stretch. It's a good final scene, with some melancholy and romance as you'd expect from a Hombre Lobo film.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGqkdXFGKfBQQ6AOGQ3r9BdUn-u4kKM_Fj2xLcOrc602-5ITEJmQHD0njZ_dcv1GrNRYmxBb9RsBezw8imiBwM2x4mhlzp68e8WehiN3-4YZJQl5sN218MEfDKqwg-Aaq-7HazQ97poAtkwid21bOSltijkIqA3qiSL19yWoh_dHmrRkk-Wk-CtfafyG0/s960/tb7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGqkdXFGKfBQQ6AOGQ3r9BdUn-u4kKM_Fj2xLcOrc602-5ITEJmQHD0njZ_dcv1GrNRYmxBb9RsBezw8imiBwM2x4mhlzp68e8WehiN3-4YZJQl5sN218MEfDKqwg-Aaq-7HazQ97poAtkwid21bOSltijkIqA3qiSL19yWoh_dHmrRkk-Wk-CtfafyG0/w640-h360/tb7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, the climax completely bypasses the young heroes, who are out hunting non-existent wolves the whole time. I wondered if the film would have a cheap shock ending that makes no sense, but it all seemed pretty chipper!...until... I swear I can read these kinds of movies like a book! Still, a jugular bite's nothing you can't put a bandaid over!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The dialogue is lightly amusing, and genre-savvy in lines that are either fun, sometimes cringey or dumb. I got a kick out of one girl's line about reading old texts-"Well the f's and s's all look alike, but you can muck it out if you try". Then there's the cheesy TV bumper line "So viewers, the real question is, can true love survive, despite space, time, greed, and lest we forget, really really gross death things and stuff?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9sZPOexBgBycROo-os4qT2U2X9b3NbpWtKQb2d8F9ado03ST52IPcSlGipccsT8n9UjzAQX_mjYS-BK92APDrPGxa2iesvhsXE7l0Phctjv5KRA49jgoFFjVXMDXu0IpdU3vqRNHajYOe5U5RpjBp8UJteNuKwRHJaHMb02rYl0jFNQaDepiB59GuyMj/s960/tb12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9sZPOexBgBycROo-os4qT2U2X9b3NbpWtKQb2d8F9ado03ST52IPcSlGipccsT8n9UjzAQX_mjYS-BK92APDrPGxa2iesvhsXE7l0Phctjv5KRA49jgoFFjVXMDXu0IpdU3vqRNHajYOe5U5RpjBp8UJteNuKwRHJaHMb02rYl0jFNQaDepiB59GuyMj/w640-h360/tb12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bloodsucking witch Elizabeth
Bathory is the true main
villain, and totally steals the spotlight from the man we wanna see. At least she has a basis to exist
as a character, since Bathory herself or expys were a staple of past
entries. Her part in the prologue is pretty funny. She's lusting after a young maiden, but decides it'll be worth more if she denies herself this treat and offers it instead to her master...Who turns out to be <i>pissed</i>! He's like 'You bothered me for <i>this</i>?'. Whoops. coulda just had her yourself, Liz!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4CkkcgH5TzWoUU8XK9SuYnFVhl0zOwCWYd8qt9e2bctBubRCrE2iNKQp7ICuHNUv0Vjeqa9VaOO6Ksp-YUbjv8yOAw2W8YntQJAe2qPYgXV0tclewIev-_ARRpROdAwDyzWKcBJjV2KP1Gjc4ZuDvoegaC91WxnOcv4RpzwULNaoirQif_jzMol0Pxkb/s960/tb13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4CkkcgH5TzWoUU8XK9SuYnFVhl0zOwCWYd8qt9e2bctBubRCrE2iNKQp7ICuHNUv0Vjeqa9VaOO6Ksp-YUbjv8yOAw2W8YntQJAe2qPYgXV0tclewIev-_ARRpROdAwDyzWKcBJjV2KP1Gjc4ZuDvoegaC91WxnOcv4RpzwULNaoirQif_jzMol0Pxkb/w640-h360/tb13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The TV crew here are tolerable, and not that stupid, but that's all.
Remember how I said Lycantropus wasn't just about a bunch of
sex-obsessed teens stealing the spotlight from the older people? Well that describes this bunch
to a tee! Admittedly they're not teens, but they're young, look like models, and like to get naked! And wouldn't you know it, just about every girl here happens to enjoy more than male company.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Richard Daninsky is a pretty good guy, and I liked him. He's friendly, honest, and I was bummed out when he died. Then there's psychic Amanda, whose presence among the guest list is a mystery. There's a good amount of intrigue to her. Is she good? Maybe a vampire hunter? Or a ghost from the past?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2omugNO2PQ4q-da9SSv1IztnGyIfk_15R3pluYf9JdUVUYS050EnZdvJV6S6qbgJ_aXTzVftHbTu_ITnGtXZWA0wXOqNDxcgwFjxcUYCv0rXGfMd5FDC8kSQTdcUb1cCqRbdgp53QmMgzerkfZ4adIaFYtn9obuhPKUY6lvyOdYzfNB6JG0Jf0Z63JjyY/s960/tb6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2omugNO2PQ4q-da9SSv1IztnGyIfk_15R3pluYf9JdUVUYS050EnZdvJV6S6qbgJ_aXTzVftHbTu_ITnGtXZWA0wXOqNDxcgwFjxcUYCv0rXGfMd5FDC8kSQTdcUb1cCqRbdgp53QmMgzerkfZ4adIaFYtn9obuhPKUY6lvyOdYzfNB6JG0Jf0Z63JjyY/w640-h360/tb6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And Waldemar himself is ok. I was afraid he'd only appear in flashbacks, but he eventually resurrects. He spends half the time as a werewolf, but he also shares a connection with Amanda, leading to some good interactions, but too short and infrequent.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As can be expected from some of Fred Olen Ray's films, Tomb of the Werewolf verges on softcore porn at times. To
paraphrase things slightly, one girl is brushing her hair, and her topless friend
helps her unhook some from her bra, and would you look at that, they're both naked and ready for sex! A later line is the lame "I always fantasised on what you might look like...y'know, naked", which somehow gets a score from that guy! Thankfully these scenes never stretch on too long, although this also means they cut off before the interesting stuff begins.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D4lV-cTJxHDS34xUSFeSCd0ZVBwfVajHqRqRwyvRhakJmGw1yu8C7GUKR8QF2rdyk1Cl84h3wmPdVZmg24VX5wunr3jv_LMiyu4X-14oH1VHcfh0SdZ-6iUIj6hUEARxhyphenhyphen2t3F9NN3gZoKld_gBoOECfbJIFCekOoyt42rl2sVI5bJgkTxd4Py7CrlgP/s960/tb16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D4lV-cTJxHDS34xUSFeSCd0ZVBwfVajHqRqRwyvRhakJmGw1yu8C7GUKR8QF2rdyk1Cl84h3wmPdVZmg24VX5wunr3jv_LMiyu4X-14oH1VHcfh0SdZ-6iUIj6hUEARxhyphenhyphen2t3F9NN3gZoKld_gBoOECfbJIFCekOoyt42rl2sVI5bJgkTxd4Py7CrlgP/w640-h360/tb16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tomb
runs at a brisk 82 minutes, but there is a longer cut out there, under
the name of The Unliving. This version reputedly has longer sex scenes, and extra violence? I'd be slightly curious to check it out, but anything past 82 for a film like this would be pushing it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The effects here are good in some ways, disappointing in others. But understandably so given the budget. There's some decent blood and grue, and the werewolf make-up is a highlight! It's maybe a little too fluffy, but it's a good design, and looks consistent with past entries too! The transformations are done entirely with cheesy CGI, and it's pretty groanworthy, but it is what it is.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohanDwz5suJnRHil113beNeYPvZPjkCXuWWqeK2bCLGfC4s8nV188gE2RMpCkiQGZBbMepEBi4du4SkTtCjMk2O7ccu25Q38qlUDAWjw2ukktyaUJIL0a0WQgW3u8vKVDWrpVxK-aOD9Nn5HNsQLUSNNQB3m-nhQuPWVFRRPbvj_5Q0O5-6NtF21P7SHV/s960/tb17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohanDwz5suJnRHil113beNeYPvZPjkCXuWWqeK2bCLGfC4s8nV188gE2RMpCkiQGZBbMepEBi4du4SkTtCjMk2O7ccu25Q38qlUDAWjw2ukktyaUJIL0a0WQgW3u8vKVDWrpVxK-aOD9Nn5HNsQLUSNNQB3m-nhQuPWVFRRPbvj_5Q0O5-6NtF21P7SHV/w640-h360/tb17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The locales in Tomb are decent. While Eastern Europe may be a cheap shooting location (a boon for low budget vampire pictures!), this is shot in Hollywood, courtesy of some good sets. The establishing shots are ok some places, and look like video game graphics in others, with an odd FMV quality.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAsAEt7Cy8Co7Sb-qSHJf0vnSVopanjZ-DCghz81Urw-f6dzWEqyj2IrENRcm5klAufJwFS_JU_H6DQPVZ_l7CSWbHQXj1OT6xJrrmT1XTwAhJDG3L6T0egMJkv1v5RhcwwkhtFzqvBHtXWdrK-X8qOKfLTzJcbt-CmhajLWG7mH2J9x0LwHIy68huE1A/s960/tb15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAsAEt7Cy8Co7Sb-qSHJf0vnSVopanjZ-DCghz81Urw-f6dzWEqyj2IrENRcm5klAufJwFS_JU_H6DQPVZ_l7CSWbHQXj1OT6xJrrmT1XTwAhJDG3L6T0egMJkv1v5RhcwwkhtFzqvBHtXWdrK-X8qOKfLTzJcbt-CmhajLWG7mH2J9x0LwHIy68huE1A/w640-h360/tb15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If nothing else Fred Olen Ray is a competent director, and he does a
good job filming a Gothic horror. There is one issue that
plagues Tomb of the Werewolf though. It's shot on video! This could be overlooked, but for
the 12th and final entry in a series that was otherwise shot on film, it
does render this one as looking more like a cheap TV production.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The music is likewise mixed. You've got some ok Gothic tunes, but then you've got cheesy Skinemax tracks, and out-of-place heavy metal. It's disappointing for the last entry in this series to end on shitty screamo.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlwwZqdPILqn-T80O0z4UunUuw8KySzN6qhxktTsgCZfZCvMEuM9qFehax8grSq1H1yBh9JngFnN6dQTP7xNpFOUPTNFH975IqyoOJ1dE1SqwDA7WwAp0XYm2bSJ7a1nfRn0Zh5NR2XjmFxHg70MrfubolCHDe0U3AFUMTEnqeKAgEG7YsEh_l61WjPyF/s960/tb14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlwwZqdPILqn-T80O0z4UunUuw8KySzN6qhxktTsgCZfZCvMEuM9qFehax8grSq1H1yBh9JngFnN6dQTP7xNpFOUPTNFH975IqyoOJ1dE1SqwDA7WwAp0XYm2bSJ7a1nfRn0Zh5NR2XjmFxHg70MrfubolCHDe0U3AFUMTEnqeKAgEG7YsEh_l61WjPyF/w640-h360/tb14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The acting here
isn't as bad as I feared, although is still marred by poor
delivery here and there. Credit where credit's due the modern
setting makes the presence of young Americans not a big deal. Jay Richardson is one of the better actors, while Leland Jay is ok, although comes off a little high at times. Michelle Bauer looks perfect for a role like this, carrying an icy charm.
She does well, though a bit stiff delivering her olde timey thee's and thou's with her modern
American accent. Same for the guy playing the devil.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then there's Paul
Naschy himself. Despite his small role he gives some humanity. He's made up with a pretty fake wig and goatee, but he actually looks years younger than he did in Lycantropus! There he looked his age (62). I don't know if he just had older age make-up on in that film, or younger in this one, but it's pretty surprising. Despite being around 70, Paul dutifully gets into the wolf make-up (with the help of a stuntman I'm not sure), and shreds some villagers one last time! Of special note is his voice! Usually Naschy was either dubbed into English, or speaking in Spanish. But here he's speaking English himself, and he sounds adorable! He's just like Puss in Boots!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippJWfLsqOqBTbEqW_54OkVUOcIVzZzWv9Ihpc1C9-BlJBAbPNByzhAlyXGVUI_EfM3l7zMVTedz7hNlUhX81Dc7pC9aODZqzqH4Sn9ucB3rb6wfEhwF6NkgGnCh8draJ2rq7oLmw8F5tOUE9JeOwAgkrY3LBI0qmFs6z-ZlRuqXQ93j21wiRWiePOMGoe/s960/tb10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippJWfLsqOqBTbEqW_54OkVUOcIVzZzWv9Ihpc1C9-BlJBAbPNByzhAlyXGVUI_EfM3l7zMVTedz7hNlUhX81Dc7pC9aODZqzqH4Sn9ucB3rb6wfEhwF6NkgGnCh8draJ2rq7oLmw8F5tOUE9JeOwAgkrY3LBI0qmFs6z-ZlRuqXQ93j21wiRWiePOMGoe/w640-h360/tb10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And lastly, there's a more recent DVD release I'd be interested in checking out someday, to give the commentary track a listen. Not only because Fred
Olen Ray is apparently a charming storyteller (if he's anything like Jim Wynorski, I look forward to it!) it would
also explain some things I was wondering, about the film's origins, how it is what it is, Paul's involvement, etc.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgLgpnqgZGpV0qO5wUEoynlFvkSNu_F37xmfsM5_YdKV4T-khchJ8Q07iU9BiKjKnCbhRq9twQIwX4tUduCr42bQNn3ER8hnGJpOhlz7-2dk3Eubj8W9-ku7-9nHqb_XALUJayKGmBLPf4y5ttqopFZhVmv1jMjnEVEZ8teghTRsRDVnJ_9nsACSopLSX/s960/tb18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgLgpnqgZGpV0qO5wUEoynlFvkSNu_F37xmfsM5_YdKV4T-khchJ8Q07iU9BiKjKnCbhRq9twQIwX4tUduCr42bQNn3ER8hnGJpOhlz7-2dk3Eubj8W9-ku7-9nHqb_XALUJayKGmBLPf4y5ttqopFZhVmv1jMjnEVEZ8teghTRsRDVnJ_9nsACSopLSX/w640-h360/tb18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tomb
of the Werewolf is mixed at best. It's not awful, and has a few mild positive
qualities in its own right, but as an entry in the Hombre Lobo series,
particularly the final one, it's a great disappointment. It won't hurt if you're a Naschy completist, but you're better off with most of his other works...</div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-83923945254694418952023-12-05T03:05:00.000-08:002024-01-23T02:30:57.461-08:00Lycantropus: The Moonlight Murders (1996/7)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi535yFxveJ80Ol44ZNpyq_XAzl0JtC9_6k1TWBNvlqH2JET9UBJ-d02bfEpfj6ak9C5EmepyTniS7ejhNP8gOkt2lxsJy92m8xYymznfx53JrnI1UfGywRkX69Ju-uWNzmJ5-3Ou1Q8T5IWhhRWV7uT3qs-0_3JT993Wj9s1imrIRUB2x8JcAoI73zTnlt/s732/lyc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="510" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi535yFxveJ80Ol44ZNpyq_XAzl0JtC9_6k1TWBNvlqH2JET9UBJ-d02bfEpfj6ak9C5EmepyTniS7ejhNP8gOkt2lxsJy92m8xYymznfx53JrnI1UfGywRkX69Ju-uWNzmJ5-3Ou1Q8T5IWhhRWV7uT3qs-0_3JT993Wj9s1imrIRUB2x8JcAoI73zTnlt/w446-h640/lyc.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During
the Second World War a defecting nazi has an affair with a Gypsy girl,
which leads to her brother killing him and the girl giving birth to a
cursed lineage. Many years later, the quiet little town of Visaria is
rocked by a series of brutal murders. First is a prostitute torn to
shreds, then a young couple. The police are convinced it's the work of a
madman, while one deputy thinks it's the work of a wild animal.
Meanwhile, local horror author Waldemar Daninsky has been
having mysterious pains and unsettling nightmares lately, that seem to
get worse with the full moon...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Phxhp6NP8whOXRtqqJ3O3rmdxK_E1cKXSQeFYnLRsUi73pcP7EJ2B4sawHq-8LbcGpi8C533ZQ87_Bg-_LTtW5-XTdyztvgo9RZYV6M0lUxtb9G8yP0PwCs6VJZwAx7PADYy73UDez32o0cnjAGH238FPZDQkoG7Pck_o-604SemLUBtYO1wUlMiAFRP/s960/lyc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Phxhp6NP8whOXRtqqJ3O3rmdxK_E1cKXSQeFYnLRsUi73pcP7EJ2B4sawHq-8LbcGpi8C533ZQ87_Bg-_LTtW5-XTdyztvgo9RZYV6M0lUxtb9G8yP0PwCs6VJZwAx7PADYy73UDez32o0cnjAGH238FPZDQkoG7Pck_o-604SemLUBtYO1wUlMiAFRP/w640-h360/lyc2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lycantropus:
The Moonlight Murders was the first Hombre Lobo film for a long time,
ever since 1983s Beast and the Magic Sword ended the series on something
of a high. Naschy's career hit a downturn shortly after, but he never
stopped working, and he would eventually return to his most famous series. The most shocking thing
about us getting a new entry in a classic Spanish series like this as
late as the 90s is that this isn't even the final one!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQS5GGcz97OiASjZwp3qHZG6TkPG47N4SDtoAEFEwmICpAcVY6YeuFzzDfURo5-MYJ0-AYxy5sPdnprltoyUd3KQZ0SEDjKi_5ZgOeaamKi1yN_48b_52Begw4nHWZ854bmAF5nqOTWOJEqPr8R6N2c4DUbHAZXgpxkmCOJ_IHj_MXXyV2uLY4nBlE_ny/s960/lyc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQS5GGcz97OiASjZwp3qHZG6TkPG47N4SDtoAEFEwmICpAcVY6YeuFzzDfURo5-MYJ0-AYxy5sPdnprltoyUd3KQZ0SEDjKi_5ZgOeaamKi1yN_48b_52Begw4nHWZ854bmAF5nqOTWOJEqPr8R6N2c4DUbHAZXgpxkmCOJ_IHj_MXXyV2uLY4nBlE_ny/w640-h360/lyc1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As
the subtitle suggests, Lycantropus is a bit of a murder-mystery, which opens up the possibility
that Waldemar may not be the killer! He's still a werewolf, so he's
certainly <i>a</i> killer, but still. Before starting I did wonder before watching if this entry would see
Waldemar as a willing murderer, and a full-on villain. Given the resetting
continuity that seems like a shoe-in for one entry!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unlike previous entries, this isn't Gothic, instead having a modern setting. Before you panic though, tit isn't about bunch of dumb sex-obsessed teens. It still has an air of maturity to it. The film has a smaller scale, with no sprawling castles or ancient monsters. Instead it's just a
random guy in a modern town turning into a werewolf and rampaging
through a couple of houses. It manages to work as what it is, even if it might stick out compared to other Hombre Lobo films. Speaking of the period, there's some 90s PC
nostalgia, and the same for movie posters, with a prominent cameo
from the poster to Dr. Giggles of all things!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcd9-jVSjlH-oFYvUbnJe_yxpLOUDN2kPpa0bzoO8mS4ExOIS1AzgaZQfX_LSrBtAcQIOey52Yhs45EUSw4karmxPJntb3Qprly9RRqOn2HKIa0t_-hKtFV4mQ-1dUOdE3O7A8LhsTODqEjPhsfH9tDpRFpjdbURFcHeQmZGs6yJiEwDkiFV8qjkaLCvh/s960/lyc3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcd9-jVSjlH-oFYvUbnJe_yxpLOUDN2kPpa0bzoO8mS4ExOIS1AzgaZQfX_LSrBtAcQIOey52Yhs45EUSw4karmxPJntb3Qprly9RRqOn2HKIa0t_-hKtFV4mQ-1dUOdE3O7A8LhsTODqEjPhsfH9tDpRFpjdbURFcHeQmZGs6yJiEwDkiFV8qjkaLCvh/w640-h360/lyc3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Waldemar here is an aging horror author, living comfortably with his family, but plagued with nightmares that may be more real than he thinks. He's likeable enough, but is almost a supporting character, especially after a certain point.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What we hear of his parents make them sound pretty
tops. They adopted the baby of a dead Gypsy found on their doorstop,
treated him well raising him into a good man, and even named him as their
sole heir! Nothing is made of this except in passing, but it's a detail I
really liked.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Dr. Mina Westenra is a friend of Waldemar's, and the two share an unspoken affection. While there's still a differences in ages, she's not a ditzy 20 year old, but a mature woman. She's soon visited by the ghosts of the gypsies, who direct her to a hidden weapon to stop werewolves...which ends up
being a surprisingly modern gun, compared to the ancient weapon we might
expect!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wTqwnbUQZ4q1qnGUILQFzw_uDraLqzVnXQ0DrvISQ3by5RazG0DvoBbFk2M6g-ojJrIpACH0QMW3J3mdnoIUDNWZDKQuQR9nC_3IEI79e7-NOmcyGpg3PbF6QoNt1SSPkCtJva4XmkAqFw0-I4E3-liz2qrk5GdX8pBvHXEGTC7NlhVYTQ1Kua0uqJQv/s960/lyc11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wTqwnbUQZ4q1qnGUILQFzw_uDraLqzVnXQ0DrvISQ3by5RazG0DvoBbFk2M6g-ojJrIpACH0QMW3J3mdnoIUDNWZDKQuQR9nC_3IEI79e7-NOmcyGpg3PbF6QoNt1SSPkCtJva4XmkAqFw0-I4E3-liz2qrk5GdX8pBvHXEGTC7NlhVYTQ1Kua0uqJQv/w640-h360/lyc11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Waldemar's family are ok. His wife and young son don't get a lot to do. Daughter Kinga gets the lion's share of time, and is a nice girl. Local boy Laurent is pretty good too, if a bit creepy in places. He clashes with a nasty bully, who somehow nabbed a good girl, who Laurent is crushing on. Surprisingly they both die very early on!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Laurent's priest father is a grade
A asshole! He openly supports the killer as divine judgement for 'sinners', even though I'm
pretty sure the Bible frowns more upon disemboweling people than
prostitution! But worse still, the bastard disapproves of his son
being a horror fan! He's also got it in for the Daninsky's especially Kinga. Really?
The most demure girl in the village? He glares daggers at her over dinner,
showing that godly virtue known as tolerance.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The supporting cast includes a seasoned detective Lacombe and a young inspector, who has some good theories, even if they clash with the more straightforward ones. There's also Mina's cuddly old mortician dad.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And lastly, there's Gypsy girl Czinka and clan patriarch Bigary, who regret their mistake in letting the baby live. Frankly I don't consider not killing a baby to be a mistake, even if they do grow up to be a werewolf!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite being a nazi, Heinrich seems like a good bloke, so in love with Czinka
that he kills two colleagues, and is ready to defect...before his sudden death. Her brother Rom is a real
bastard! Nevermind how quickly he murders Heinrich, who's done
everything to help their community, he doesn't bat an eye at wanting to murder Czinka or her offspring,
completely ignoring the wishes of their leader he claims to obey. I was
glad hearing how he died.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVr1mwAphN0011hYu8m-QAW3SNKQmKGs4HDAd0Vj53zVT4XV5ay2FmRjiWHwOWXV-Hb4Ev8ln4RiIvqRwsjmSv8jBDQvwOTN8oKf0f4VBSp6iavmQa8xNT9ipdMUyOKvWsHnNC9qJAmQIx99WZMaaov_c-1jCpCYdkQ4T0SoATYMD7YSwkBv4YjE4voPN/s960/lyc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVr1mwAphN0011hYu8m-QAW3SNKQmKGs4HDAd0Vj53zVT4XV5ay2FmRjiWHwOWXV-Hb4Ev8ln4RiIvqRwsjmSv8jBDQvwOTN8oKf0f4VBSp6iavmQa8xNT9ipdMUyOKvWsHnNC9qJAmQIx99WZMaaov_c-1jCpCYdkQ4T0SoATYMD7YSwkBv4YjE4voPN/w640-h360/lyc4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lycantropus takes a little while to get going as a horror, and doesn't have enough werewolf action, but it's good once it begins. The film gets a little depressing at one point, but I'm
surprised it goes there! Thankfully it's not handled
gratuitously. Although it does kinda leave Waldemar's
character in the lurch, since after such a traumatic shock there's not really
much chance for his human side to re-emerge.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film builds up to the climax well, with the human killer targeting Kinga, before the werewolf comes too. It's great fun seeing the two 'monsters' dueling, and the man doesn't stand a chance! Unfortunately we're left with a werewolf that doesn't give the slightest shit about killing innocent people. It's up to Mina's timely arrival to save the day, in a really nice conclusion. Previous Hombre Lobo entries tried convincing us these girls who've known Waldemar a day love him enough to end his curse. But here we believe it, not only because of the established history of these characters, but the emotion felt during this scene. It's not even romantic love, but that of friendship, yet it's enough, and I feel this is the best the series ever tackled this concept.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaXjfhICrSdgumjlKqcO9ULviQ1TMU8_xrTgJFNrmBQhaie1UicPTfyThXdoyGmxl1cBNwtnRlrktuYY8XcILrFVyVq9YNCqal4yTTH2qaP3rWQA4vAA3PSVprlxcUZzaA-7qxH3cHpSDPmXilnBjxeYkS2Rh0PcXHeFYZXiJ_NYoOf6hnWOpZgsarrAx/s960/lyc6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaXjfhICrSdgumjlKqcO9ULviQ1TMU8_xrTgJFNrmBQhaie1UicPTfyThXdoyGmxl1cBNwtnRlrktuYY8XcILrFVyVq9YNCqal4yTTH2qaP3rWQA4vAA3PSVprlxcUZzaA-7qxH3cHpSDPmXilnBjxeYkS2Rh0PcXHeFYZXiJ_NYoOf6hnWOpZgsarrAx/w640-h360/lyc6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEAjvIJaK-MNBlSNLmHsfExmfd8Q2lfIs885-2L2n20ILS4nJnTGqYL2wBpysf0pvpMA2IMB9KRnO7bRa_lOB3Wd8bVTHdmRLSkhZefkA6bk0XX4BUiceXuzDX-DeF1JNb6QnyO-9g2h4Zn4phLc_DFkT5YcAZO5lHtyRjOaCiJAbS9CTtH8kUGqZNb7Y/s960/lyc7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEAjvIJaK-MNBlSNLmHsfExmfd8Q2lfIs885-2L2n20ILS4nJnTGqYL2wBpysf0pvpMA2IMB9KRnO7bRa_lOB3Wd8bVTHdmRLSkhZefkA6bk0XX4BUiceXuzDX-DeF1JNb6QnyO-9g2h4Zn4phLc_DFkT5YcAZO5lHtyRjOaCiJAbS9CTtH8kUGqZNb7Y/w640-h360/lyc7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The solution
to the killer's identity is satisfying, but it is the obvious one. But then again
the movie was building up Laurent as a bigger suspect, so I suppose it not being him <i>is</i> less obvious. I do wonder if there was some kinda last minute rewrite or if the
actor just got sick, because Laurent completely disappears. It reminded me of the
ending to Sweeney Todd, where the young couple just completely vanish
as to not spoil the sombre note of the ending.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I do
wonder what will become of Waldermar's reputation after these events. The authorities won't be ready to admit the existence of the
supernatural, and since Waldemar was a good guy, and only the
werewolf inside him was bad, perhaps they could just pin all the killings
on the one culprit? After all, he was already a serial killer roaming around
hacking innocents to death. Does it really matter if he 'only' butchered two instead of five?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I
also wondered about Waldemar's latest novel, and if he ever finished it
before he died! It doesn't seem like it. But perhaps Kinga can take up
the mantle. Goodness knows the poor girl will need <i>something</i> to keep her mind occupied after all she's gone through!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrbA4uR6HUs3z-ITTiIw9JrMflcPZmlB7GUI2C1UvAsPyKMYKQ4jSk7OV9t60fwfgBsmIU3SFhAsjOIBZXK1y1eGitbR5Eqjt7UhInNHId8PZjst-GlzEe6k7la7nb1i65jLQfxOD6vaIIYmgHsCFvXie1p46dadExym0aUsIu4wZHWwdX_u-I7NtdThS/s960/lyc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrbA4uR6HUs3z-ITTiIw9JrMflcPZmlB7GUI2C1UvAsPyKMYKQ4jSk7OV9t60fwfgBsmIU3SFhAsjOIBZXK1y1eGitbR5Eqjt7UhInNHId8PZjst-GlzEe6k7la7nb1i65jLQfxOD6vaIIYmgHsCFvXie1p46dadExym0aUsIu4wZHWwdX_u-I7NtdThS/w640-h360/lyc5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The werewolf mythos here is fairly basic. No witches, vampires, or yetis. It's a little vague, really. I'm not exactly sure why this random girl can't have babies or else they'll become monsters. Waldemar's werewolf origin is a bit less involved since it doesn't involve him directly. I also wondered where this curse has been all his life. It doesn't pass on to Waldemar's kids either. Or at least the film never delves into it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I liked the scientific touch to some scenes.
Don't worry, it doesn't try and explain away the magic as just advanced
science. That's boring! Instead it's a mix, like seeing how science
analyses magic.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PH3SiqOaa3iAt93-SSdiVCJ9ytcKzb5dtEonss7jxVxPRDM4RAaPaB6u-4b9WTkRL3uQ9mU8QEE4GWhHH9qsmmgoRSf4xzIGCJ0J6geY8EernjL3ZdGX3q-if1CahIOkKQg9YpSbB8HKWLTZJNJ57742l-IDQkUKnl0GeAoi6kG0yuDAvnyePU7iCuYU/s960/lyc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PH3SiqOaa3iAt93-SSdiVCJ9ytcKzb5dtEonss7jxVxPRDM4RAaPaB6u-4b9WTkRL3uQ9mU8QEE4GWhHH9qsmmgoRSf4xzIGCJ0J6geY8EernjL3ZdGX3q-if1CahIOkKQg9YpSbB8HKWLTZJNJ57742l-IDQkUKnl0GeAoi6kG0yuDAvnyePU7iCuYU/w640-h360/lyc9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Something I liked here is the Gypsy representation, even showing their sometimes overlooked nazi persecution. We also get negative remarks from some characters (like the psycho priest) that made me think "What <i>is</i>
it with bloody Europeans and Gypsies?". I know as a group they
definitely have serious issues they've gotta work through, but still!
Thankfully this movie is clearly on the right side of the divide.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lycantropus is directed by Francisco Rodríguez Gordillo. I've read that he apparently didn't like horror films and cut more graphic footage. Yeesh, poor Paul just can't catch a break with asshole directors, can he! If this is true (and I'm unconvinced), that's really shitty of him to tinker like that,
especially to an older gent with his potential comeback! But in terms of how the film itself looks, it's
very good! There are really well framed shots, some gorgeous flashes of orange, and deep blues. The lighting is dark in places, sometimes too much, but we get good highlights to separate the colours.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaBZES4aIuQB0D4Wlakwge2iNaieOJKbx2MP3UOj6Q0huD9kluB3SIbrY5J1WmBuTymJjQIc0IHz7vkPOXrbGntdVqOACbNEJaUrfYbph0iuHG6VRfnRbK2tIUG75aMVcMwQEJZ9eNd2myUbgm6Er8dQhINgVnh6lp4wt3ifLNrw-MAqciq98j8wHw3_L/s960/lyc8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaBZES4aIuQB0D4Wlakwge2iNaieOJKbx2MP3UOj6Q0huD9kluB3SIbrY5J1WmBuTymJjQIc0IHz7vkPOXrbGntdVqOACbNEJaUrfYbph0iuHG6VRfnRbK2tIUG75aMVcMwQEJZ9eNd2myUbgm6Er8dQhINgVnh6lp4wt3ifLNrw-MAqciq98j8wHw3_L/w640-h360/lyc8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The effects here are good. There's some decent violence, and a few ok death scenes. They might not show enough carnage for some some peoples' liking, but it's not totally bloodless. The werewolf make-up is a highlight! It's simpler and more human, which I find an interesting and not oft seen portrayal (akin to Werewolf of London). No doubt a simpler design would be easier on the older actor too. The transformations are alright, and I liked the distorted cries and roars. There's some CGI near the end, but it's non-obtrusive.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I really liked the music in Lycantropus! There's a neat score that combines choral melodies with melancholy electric guitar twangs. It creates a nice atmosphere, and provides some neat tracks. They're moody without ever being depressing.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast here is a good one. Naschy is a fine lead, delivering a more emotional performance, in a low-key way. After seeing him remain fairly youthful during the 80s, age has finally caught up with him, but he's still up for some action. The glance he gives in the ending is really good, and one of his finest moments as an actor!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Amparo Munoz does well, and it's nice seeing an older lady as the lead(ish) in a horror film. Eva Isanta gives a nice enough performance as the daughter, as does Jorge R. Lucas as the mysterious Laurent. And Luis Maluenda gives a good performance as the diabolical priest. Interestingly
Lycantropus contains more pronounced Spanish lisps than other films I've
seen. I guess it was shot more regionally.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErV9Xx_A3k339yvvxWVdKETOZlhgQGciOjYY1WWYD-pT2d6sWev5JuH-rzRzQpK0MvcUmHR8GbYYHVEargYpf71V5PlBl6fB826NCTGP7jI2VK9-QVOJ6LV0cIYNEu1KHRMIadf7kMd68WzF8tzQwJ0-Zsg-jhSnrfE-T6UAtOy1Ni6dfE_aWs7K5BZFG/s960/lyc10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErV9Xx_A3k339yvvxWVdKETOZlhgQGciOjYY1WWYD-pT2d6sWev5JuH-rzRzQpK0MvcUmHR8GbYYHVEargYpf71V5PlBl6fB826NCTGP7jI2VK9-QVOJ6LV0cIYNEu1KHRMIadf7kMd68WzF8tzQwJ0-Zsg-jhSnrfE-T6UAtOy1Ni6dfE_aWs7K5BZFG/w640-h360/lyc10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lycantropus
is a pretty neat example of late Spanish horror, when the genre had slowed
to a crawl, before finding new life later on. As a Hombre Lobo film it's
different for sure, but I honestly found it to be one of the better
entries! I recommend it...<br /></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-5660287646382219582023-12-04T05:49:00.000-08:002024-01-22T02:36:25.233-08:00Örümcek: Turkish Spiderman (1972)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIupE97Jlrt5hF-HjJON4-QBZSaeOsvkKrI60gm8KxHVWyiFdYu_RBfXNcUrFjz-A2DK7-n_dh-HWrBZRSsnRMq64_dP2WI35Uf0CfmL5fUPaN2Uow5pPSjKB0U04IQxHtII_BJtT7ew79Nll8ieDFx1kLaVPCAjeU1b7Y0O-17KY8kNaVfE1Kw89tVEtI/s780/oru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="525" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIupE97Jlrt5hF-HjJON4-QBZSaeOsvkKrI60gm8KxHVWyiFdYu_RBfXNcUrFjz-A2DK7-n_dh-HWrBZRSsnRMq64_dP2WI35Uf0CfmL5fUPaN2Uow5pPSjKB0U04IQxHtII_BJtT7ew79Nll8ieDFx1kLaVPCAjeU1b7Y0O-17KY8kNaVfE1Kw89tVEtI/w431-h640/oru.jpg" width="431" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A gang of smugglers are searching for a hidden Buddha statue, which contains a cache of priceless jewels. On their trail is hero Örümcek-The Spider, who fights them at every turn. Also in the mix is a rival gang that has interests in turning the Spider to their side. Will they succeed? Or will both sides fall before his unpredictable strength?...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzL9_X-iNFLcd5uhZtlmyGcWIJqVUaGOrI4fpzwiGTImBsL1s_GbXESOy-sBFoOzkG7gCu71pA4F32PcqT4QIRMESpLrjtISnIgC3rUGdD6A54AHHgwnM05Ebu0HX7xKsTAml7mp47UVIUQkrGQ5vf2Tf0O-EnJmWSKln1OVK_tJNpH8OVPZllWB9RNYg/s960/oru1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzL9_X-iNFLcd5uhZtlmyGcWIJqVUaGOrI4fpzwiGTImBsL1s_GbXESOy-sBFoOzkG7gCu71pA4F32PcqT4QIRMESpLrjtISnIgC3rUGdD6A54AHHgwnM05Ebu0HX7xKsTAml7mp47UVIUQkrGQ5vf2Tf0O-EnJmWSKln1OVK_tJNpH8OVPZllWB9RNYg/w640-h360/oru1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Örümcek is a more obscure entry in the gift that just keeps on giving-Turkish knock-offs of popular superheroes!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's some confusion over what's what, since there are three adjacent Turkish movies
with similar names. There's Örümcek from 1972 (today's film. I know, it's very black-and-white for 1972, it's Turkey), then spy/crime(?) caper Örümcek Adam from 1966. There's also Öldüren Örümcek (also 1972).
Then another film altogether, starring Cuneyt Arkın, 3 Tatlı Bela (1979), which pops
up a lot in searches due to its apparent alternate title Öldüren Örümcek! Confused yet? So was I! Hopefully I'm able to clear this all up for anyone else.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguB5AgjCgczH9Sx1smHrGbClu4e8saPOurdkPteoygvIt6lNoaLniqz7hcHy5dGOpdv2mM2047lVq19vb_VUbaveuCwF0xKG4IAGEA63fcEb6glmzzG5AMQ6dnOntQdXg47bY-2P8rM3cXITvIoClqyXjCGHdppRDyDhNDoHFAn2z6SY3B_tdTFVzyZk4k/s960/oru4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguB5AgjCgczH9Sx1smHrGbClu4e8saPOurdkPteoygvIt6lNoaLniqz7hcHy5dGOpdv2mM2047lVq19vb_VUbaveuCwF0xKG4IAGEA63fcEb6glmzzG5AMQ6dnOntQdXg47bY-2P8rM3cXITvIoClqyXjCGHdppRDyDhNDoHFAn2z6SY3B_tdTFVzyZk4k/w640-h360/oru4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's get into the film itself. Örümcek is your typical Turkish comic book film. A tough hero runs around fighting a band of ruthless villains after treasure. Likewise, its connection to the 'source material' is minimal. The insignia is Spiderman-ish, but there's otherwise nothing. Although at least he's a good guy this time, not a madman who shoves propellers into faces!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This obviously isn't high art or anything, but it's a competently made picture. No poor directing, special effects failures, nor editing or music hiccups. You might think that'd make it less fun, but it's entertaining regardless. It's kooky in a general way, but not quite as zany or ridiculous as others of its kind. However, Örümcek has an ace up its sleeve, in that it seems to have more thought put into it than others! I'm not saying it's a hidden masterpiece or anything, but it all seems very consistent, like it wasn't just a bunch of cheap stuff and random ideas thrown together in 5 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k-7Fv0jP911B8Y0Xyj-83o0IXGuvXntM7SebqBlVuOv3APjqJJ_BK4N1SMHP0Sv4nLTRSG8RBJhBGHX00s38CBzPHiIyCyog-yATza6s_bsXMkCvpS2pEAj4CwlEBrcLOcM9JFXsUYYO96eREzh0E-2fj1iuSJ9Co0xeOCrpSnkS2pnWSG_nGOYJwh1v/s960/oru6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k-7Fv0jP911B8Y0Xyj-83o0IXGuvXntM7SebqBlVuOv3APjqJJ_BK4N1SMHP0Sv4nLTRSG8RBJhBGHX00s38CBzPHiIyCyog-yATza6s_bsXMkCvpS2pEAj4CwlEBrcLOcM9JFXsUYYO96eREzh0E-2fj1iuSJ9Co0xeOCrpSnkS2pnWSG_nGOYJwh1v/w640-h360/oru6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The plot is fairly basic, with a gang of villains after a Macguffin, routinely beating up others, and get the piss beaten out of <i>them</i> by friendly neighbourhood hero Örümcek. Where things get interesting is in their rivalry and machinations, like trying to lure the hero into their employ through his 'Peter Parker' persona.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIQ1n3WpRE3umVOq7Lfu7K32VmqVyl90rUrmbxjdzxrw2DThIBlLMXgU6QNF9Xx4PVIcB7Vt9QsDJy43EBMKURryMC8czLP89LrsuDfkrNuQ7zSZwAsqGTlURTL7cTlImqY2Bvpg2oLdx5cBUmCuQ1CixdzVsncf0pNluC5zy-CQOZ9A65Dzz9X5sWWUd/s960/oru3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIQ1n3WpRE3umVOq7Lfu7K32VmqVyl90rUrmbxjdzxrw2DThIBlLMXgU6QNF9Xx4PVIcB7Vt9QsDJy43EBMKURryMC8czLP89LrsuDfkrNuQ7zSZwAsqGTlURTL7cTlImqY2Bvpg2oLdx5cBUmCuQ1CixdzVsncf0pNluC5zy-CQOZ9A65Dzz9X5sWWUd/w640-h360/oru3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Spider is a good hero. No backstory to speak of, and no real introduction. We just begin the film with this hero already active, and there's not really anything we're missing. His secret identity is mild mannered Erol, and he interacts well with the characters both masked and un. It's nice seeing a Turkish superhero whose mask actually seems to mean something.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">His love interest is lounge singer Ayfe, who discovers Erol and nurses him back to health after an attack. And she ends up falling for him, while also admiring her masked savior, not realising yet they're one and the same. There's also a comic relief buddy, who mercifully doesn't get directly involved in the action. He's not terrible, but he does a good enough job on the sidelines.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K-uwtfFpt5rw9MxrGeoPrp5YLmS3NAylm48SAtivdOpYT3mzGEyyR7_MkB6N-Cv8ML6-exepRxRYHZxLK04hxFpgsxi6USqybYC-Dh_cRwguyqGS7rAIgiNWeqzeavMyXLd0MPgCLT1qAnjXaefvtDHGd044OIAcrLG92enweYLB3iJ5JyHtLMW0f6Z6/s960/oru2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K-uwtfFpt5rw9MxrGeoPrp5YLmS3NAylm48SAtivdOpYT3mzGEyyR7_MkB6N-Cv8ML6-exepRxRYHZxLK04hxFpgsxi6USqybYC-Dh_cRwguyqGS7rAIgiNWeqzeavMyXLd0MPgCLT1qAnjXaefvtDHGd044OIAcrLG92enweYLB3iJ5JyHtLMW0f6Z6/w640-h360/oru2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The villains here are plentiful. First is head smuggler Renzo. He's a bald 'Sicilian' with a villainous moustache, and never without a woman, while his second-in-command is a younger fella with a smarmy look and weird blonde hair. Then there's a rival gang headed by a devious femme fatale, who takes the stage in the middle act with her plan of seducing and enlisting Örümcek. She's more ambiguous. There's also a duplicitous cohort and an evil blonde, who prove to be the perfect match for each-other. I figured they'd kill each-other over the treasure, but our hero gets there first.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHx7dcgZrlxvytcGB0E7vEGYhSthMZ8IhTPz_XXCpBQvySS0B7aoRf5jqTzW12VNHfqs1_Sw1xfBNLhntdgK7PeJMfOkkDzfuAcVBOUvt4EsXXVHc-w3yC2Ddv_KRqN7SQB89lONrl9bvfaRW70wJKOyaaRwZ7M_KtHQ2gH8_1uW8m3zIT8zpiCVt_rnwE/s960/oru9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHx7dcgZrlxvytcGB0E7vEGYhSthMZ8IhTPz_XXCpBQvySS0B7aoRf5jqTzW12VNHfqs1_Sw1xfBNLhntdgK7PeJMfOkkDzfuAcVBOUvt4EsXXVHc-w3yC2Ddv_KRqN7SQB89lONrl9bvfaRW70wJKOyaaRwZ7M_KtHQ2gH8_1uW8m3zIT8zpiCVt_rnwE/w640-h360/oru9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The climax is the film at its best! The Spider gets a phone call from the villains saying they've got his girlfriend hostage. He doesn't waste any time, and <i>immediately</i> busts into their hideout all guns blazing, blasting away until one goon after the other falls dead, and the ringleader can do nothing but desperately run with his one remaining trump card in tow, before Örümcek unleashes an eight-legged Turkish beatdown on his ass!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgC8lqyKkv13UUCwCRhIoohAsAJNJjwijnxdLvdPZddHGWQL4z6azwX2IDgC2NUQrry1zFv4Ip7pIV1tdrrYzT6Rl8umpZsyigGi23ITaEkBzhqaxAM43r5YyPDqiw8U_csaSw2650PZ3wVT67c3uOTdBzNO5vOR14Mjvd-mHs9MLt7FryN0NETyIUn6D/s960/oru7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgC8lqyKkv13UUCwCRhIoohAsAJNJjwijnxdLvdPZddHGWQL4z6azwX2IDgC2NUQrry1zFv4Ip7pIV1tdrrYzT6Rl8umpZsyigGi23ITaEkBzhqaxAM43r5YyPDqiw8U_csaSw2650PZ3wVT67c3uOTdBzNO5vOR14Mjvd-mHs9MLt7FryN0NETyIUn6D/w640-h360/oru7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then we get individual battles for each of the remaining villains, with the first being beaten to death from our hero bashing his head into a sandy beach. Then Renzo gets a surprisingly graphic knifing! The ending is short, but satisfying, and feels like a legit ending! Instead of cutting immediately from the villain's death to SON, we get a final scene with the hero and allies, including a sweet interaction with his ladyfriend.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF3snR32mnwcXyTg0lM4uuiijUlINTm6cn1KnputCUCng9Ex-ch2TFJwsba5pYMmUdMcP8EYXwYyE2QpF4tudASdE4dqmIsrVMi1w2-I_nv-fm6xmAu5ZvRCEyA2x0cATv0Lgsh2rjgcrt4NsbGld1CYBDdYD1Cs1GA1mM0XX8x9JXO7qcND9qKTD2EVg/s960/oru8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF3snR32mnwcXyTg0lM4uuiijUlINTm6cn1KnputCUCng9Ex-ch2TFJwsba5pYMmUdMcP8EYXwYyE2QpF4tudASdE4dqmIsrVMi1w2-I_nv-fm6xmAu5ZvRCEyA2x0cATv0Lgsh2rjgcrt4NsbGld1CYBDdYD1Cs1GA1mM0XX8x9JXO7qcND9qKTD2EVg/w640-h360/oru8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The action here is fun! We've got some good dust-ups, gunplay, and more. The leading man pulls of some good athletics, jumping and swinging around enough befitting his name. And the motorbike attack is fantastic and unexpected, not only because of how crazy it is, but also just the logistics of seeing something like this in such a zero-budget film!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIds_ebtQFC9hBPl6JcxwcmY4OZ8V_9Vtfc4eODd0sqzQEHso0F_XnSSu0qelDWh-TYXzL4QvYqKUVLrNU8gt06KeFbJ4oqCXP-8z7E5Bq_96BG_xVEJv4ztswlihapvruWH6uNlIQLF_qp6OrxaimzDs7EfSdVJfR3vC0UiRvSjpgEULiTQYdTlgQgzt/s960/oru12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIds_ebtQFC9hBPl6JcxwcmY4OZ8V_9Vtfc4eODd0sqzQEHso0F_XnSSu0qelDWh-TYXzL4QvYqKUVLrNU8gt06KeFbJ4oqCXP-8z7E5Bq_96BG_xVEJv4ztswlihapvruWH6uNlIQLF_qp6OrxaimzDs7EfSdVJfR3vC0UiRvSjpgEULiTQYdTlgQgzt/w640-h360/oru12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The effects are pretty good. Namely there's the hero's costume. It's less a spandex outfit and more like Evil Knievel (or a Power Ranger as some say). No real resemblance to Spidey, though he plasters his insignia wherever he can.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once you get your head around it being different, the costume is a pretty neat one! It's got a good uniformity, neat spider emblem, and he's even got a snazzy cowl under the helmet, which is a nice touch. His distinct face isn't disguised in the slightest, but naturally that's of no concern in a superhero film. Even a domino mask can hide your identity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5ZZlPdFHT307CfU6ChH2e_lNL8jzKf0a6CuH7D5M6VFMjdj1u1GtbZUGrn2wS2QiyVgjoJ2O1Hhf7Xz5DI-2p8rTX4gXSdJ4rdKKyypaGHZzD9tFgROe4abo0NYHrtAx6jGBNM7NFYD8r0bKfjqAtUUTcg496xTnHnZUQ4Z-H1V1JjqiFbzynV7881NL/s960/oru11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5ZZlPdFHT307CfU6ChH2e_lNL8jzKf0a6CuH7D5M6VFMjdj1u1GtbZUGrn2wS2QiyVgjoJ2O1Hhf7Xz5DI-2p8rTX4gXSdJ4rdKKyypaGHZzD9tFgROe4abo0NYHrtAx6jGBNM7NFYD8r0bKfjqAtUUTcg496xTnHnZUQ4Z-H1V1JjqiFbzynV7881NL/w640-h360/oru11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast here is fine for what this is. Hüseyin Zan is a surprisingly paunchy leading man. Although this is Turkey, where such body shapes were to be expected. Hülya Darcan is a pretty love interest, while Yeşim Yükselen is genuinely good as the femme fatale, giving some icy cold expressions with stylish cigarette smoke. Altan Günbay and Istemi Betil are alright as the other villains, though don't get as much time to shine. Interestingly enough Altan, who usually played second-in-command, is head honcho this time!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZNNmWsX5VR8HsokbWORHMcEFZyXa-QNoZwKCs-gKeQ9nVOm7oZffNlxyZ4V1A-er56J4AM9P6_msKeeeYc0QcA6wCSYbEhQAp3jQud3TtH-AFtkyR_sE8z_Dh0NN2_dEy2u4lx-BX4D2HvzqlerClookGpSN0Wwdk3CYsdnAxo5-TIgYlSg_YOgT4b1_/s960/oru5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZNNmWsX5VR8HsokbWORHMcEFZyXa-QNoZwKCs-gKeQ9nVOm7oZffNlxyZ4V1A-er56J4AM9P6_msKeeeYc0QcA6wCSYbEhQAp3jQud3TtH-AFtkyR_sE8z_Dh0NN2_dEy2u4lx-BX4D2HvzqlerClookGpSN0Wwdk3CYsdnAxo5-TIgYlSg_YOgT4b1_/w640-h360/oru5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The soundtrack here is standard action stuff, with a few surprises. The first is In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida over the opening credits, which...certainly sets a mood! Not sure what kind. Then there's a nice instrumental of...Wild World?? Talk about unexpected!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpd4oL9G8BvFYtU5jdYLgkVrENA4aodIsOiGB1t3qKvpdBcBQnRFNlYriDrtPvFpNt7pg-jGhx0COILtxesUb8hL9LBh2OXWnuR8IpJ0cs-6e273nvLpTBw5SXkHu1x9Vmih0Yfl_eV2b1AWKzfSXnQldx3lfXoruh45eZtIi8aBpzTZLFCkQlKeWeQsD/s960/oru13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpd4oL9G8BvFYtU5jdYLgkVrENA4aodIsOiGB1t3qKvpdBcBQnRFNlYriDrtPvFpNt7pg-jGhx0COILtxesUb8hL9LBh2OXWnuR8IpJ0cs-6e273nvLpTBw5SXkHu1x9Vmih0Yfl_eV2b1AWKzfSXnQldx3lfXoruh45eZtIi8aBpzTZLFCkQlKeWeQsD/w640-h360/oru13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The direction in Örümcek is decent. It captures the action and stunts well, the motorbike shot particularly. There's some frenetic editing in places. And the locations are pretty good, namely the old cavern that we keep returning to. Complete with an obviously new bricked up spot. Also, day and night are clearly distinguished here, barring one notable exception!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To answer where you can even watch the film, Archive.org has it, but for me it's always acted funny and not played the picture. Through a little searching I found it on youtube, and it's in better quality!...But is missing about 3 scenes. The rock-themed opening credits, a sex scene between our hero and the gang lady (wonder what his girlfriend thinks!), and the fatal confrontation between blondie and whatsisface. No idea why these are missing, but hopefully the channel restores them. The film can be found in full elsewhere too for those who know how/where to look.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaydJY25D4BPMdWC_2PbUJCojCuRD4SwCr6_PjY4pVJFcBtvpP3LyLzyYKRkCg33hpAk8oVAPDPkPT4xv4n-X3UPgEqNBacpYn5EQqBv3guysr0deESywn0eU1bXCKvTOmD7I1E3HmcnmKf61BVZaa2hyBM8rDYxHdPaBHXfXN_sB3R30J9ZHelsFgAV1/s960/oru14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaydJY25D4BPMdWC_2PbUJCojCuRD4SwCr6_PjY4pVJFcBtvpP3LyLzyYKRkCg33hpAk8oVAPDPkPT4xv4n-X3UPgEqNBacpYn5EQqBv3guysr0deESywn0eU1bXCKvTOmD7I1E3HmcnmKf61BVZaa2hyBM8rDYxHdPaBHXfXN_sB3R30J9ZHelsFgAV1/w640-h360/oru14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Örümcek may not exactly live up to the sobriquet of Turkish Spiderman exactly, and it's not the best of the Turkish pulp hero cycle, but in some ways it outclasses the others, and is still an entertaining and blissfully short offering, well worth watching to kill an hour!...</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-69478992715388356102023-11-22T03:03:00.000-08:002023-11-22T03:03:01.123-08:00Çam Sakızı (1962)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpbIPBDaT_Fm08IIFHPJa5xVkAXreFvqDvJcF2WMoSCGyY8vHnikj2kWWhog5ucE0oCruy12ZljkGf0gk9o49RtwFxXIZuOt_HElDrYqioh6ewVW8PM523EdAMpj4Lenb2NjVkutCf5HWPSzf0qA_Pc01uICu0DGCO2PCJGyYaJDuachKb6GhPrfat4cf/s769/cam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpbIPBDaT_Fm08IIFHPJa5xVkAXreFvqDvJcF2WMoSCGyY8vHnikj2kWWhog5ucE0oCruy12ZljkGf0gk9o49RtwFxXIZuOt_HElDrYqioh6ewVW8PM523EdAMpj4Lenb2NjVkutCf5HWPSzf0qA_Pc01uICu0DGCO2PCJGyYaJDuachKb6GhPrfat4cf/w479-h640/cam.jpg" width="479" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47_hsSjbka2mR1vZFpvuPZFPaCMVwBi7vwmjeFBdCZyw1Bwc5XcyRRkQJxekGOLerhyphenhyphenrQp09-qQShmz5stLP7tedvAfxlITg9ZOiRxZ_bzVfLKYe6a9WTIMZgXw1qlqjV43E67ni7xMqjhT4F5WKEAHqkO1jRi6CALrU-fUtImWb3S_Y2tRrZKSGCGaYm/s960/cam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47_hsSjbka2mR1vZFpvuPZFPaCMVwBi7vwmjeFBdCZyw1Bwc5XcyRRkQJxekGOLerhyphenhyphenrQp09-qQShmz5stLP7tedvAfxlITg9ZOiRxZ_bzVfLKYe6a9WTIMZgXw1qlqjV43E67ni7xMqjhT4F5WKEAHqkO1jRi6CALrU-fUtImWb3S_Y2tRrZKSGCGaYm/w640-h360/cam2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Murat is the captain of a small touring vessel, along with his first mate =. After an onboard altercation, they strike up a friendship with two feisty girls, Güldür and =, who quickly take a shine to the two sea dogs. They persuade the duo to take part in an upcoming boat race against a brutish rival, despite the prowess of his advanced ship. Can the group win the day? And will they find romance together too?...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_50oj7C6Olb9xpYC6LhcJJr0YZLLYgeHL0hNB81iB9MW1SYfoAQ-jBBlq38Hq7EH28q2asp7rXSS5l9amu0Oh0Z9XblmzsNMSVL9htMd_eIuRnsCy-L4bWMJphXOXegzDT_EFK11QJyc3PfBbXd8sixczAutj5QeZbSck2cO9UZbsDYI2D2Z99T2lyTcP/s960/cam1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_50oj7C6Olb9xpYC6LhcJJr0YZLLYgeHL0hNB81iB9MW1SYfoAQ-jBBlq38Hq7EH28q2asp7rXSS5l9amu0Oh0Z9XblmzsNMSVL9htMd_eIuRnsCy-L4bWMJphXOXegzDT_EFK11QJyc3PfBbXd8sixczAutj5QeZbSck2cO9UZbsDYI2D2Z99T2lyTcP/w640-h360/cam1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not to be confused with the 1974 rom-com, with which it bears no relation beyond the same name (translating to Pine Gum), Çam Sakızı is a romantic comedy with a seafaring spirit to it...Well, coastalfaring anyway.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifh8s7T6hiO_F6Z_O1jzx_nqjiT1HKTz-mgyTbGJC9eUzMLpX5dIBM8hc18PI3D4WsSXuTMvzNacr3VJfLzo1ySG9m7HBkdeYzGahiWxzNmm4BoXeFQ4TrdT-hmTPBbJXBkwqA7AC-syV4UFaHBQAmlJWjAFzRM-U_xKjTv2Cy87qt469CniAapi6i1sFj/s960/cam9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifh8s7T6hiO_F6Z_O1jzx_nqjiT1HKTz-mgyTbGJC9eUzMLpX5dIBM8hc18PI3D4WsSXuTMvzNacr3VJfLzo1ySG9m7HBkdeYzGahiWxzNmm4BoXeFQ4TrdT-hmTPBbJXBkwqA7AC-syV4UFaHBQAmlJWjAFzRM-U_xKjTv2Cy87qt469CniAapi6i1sFj/w640-h360/cam9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a fairly basic rom-com, particularly of the era. But not in a bad way. I was looking forward to seeing it for a while now. Now that I have, it's pretty entertaining. It feels like your typical fluffy affair from the 60s, that you could easily picture starring someone like Doris Day. Nothing groundbreaking, but it passes the time well (assuming you understand the language). <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENhgPjU9GcLFfgndUB-MA5GkQ9YgoS-3lvlAxnX6W0nl5V7Lqg3BO7kzfGS6wI_D7yUncoMYJMJFUalnHVNcVkwSte79_C75uuMv7tXjCKSZotXUAgEHD_HaY1_BZZ9yFFClGa9vjs8umNEpHV88pdcD2TVa3K6YFLAKlyxlL-5FU6cJGPLQr3KE6zSFI/s960/cam6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENhgPjU9GcLFfgndUB-MA5GkQ9YgoS-3lvlAxnX6W0nl5V7Lqg3BO7kzfGS6wI_D7yUncoMYJMJFUalnHVNcVkwSte79_C75uuMv7tXjCKSZotXUAgEHD_HaY1_BZZ9yFFClGa9vjs8umNEpHV88pdcD2TVa3K6YFLAKlyxlL-5FU6cJGPLQr3KE6zSFI/w640-h360/cam6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The story is basic, and the movie perhaps runs a little too long for what it is at 96 minutes, but it's never boring. We get good character introductions, fun shenanigans, and some action in the end. Everything
culminates in the boat race, which the heroes naturally win. For no
other reason than they just happen to go a little faster, but it's
satisfying enough.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgY5CVjOfW8jZAWOzR3qjy5nXz6dD5HWn1pgmp-EYB1rLaSHBvxUiGnNWWkgcIjFt3BQQ0tz0uqeACRk_3ZNNqMSvuxkv0QUxc5OsS8dBSP4i3-XiFsE0qKsJ4xntsdnAOzzWt1UGnPFj8ENR93o1eJGM852Sa4aZ3pDJRTla5eNKMmy6S6T8Ls8pu0-7/s960/cam14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgY5CVjOfW8jZAWOzR3qjy5nXz6dD5HWn1pgmp-EYB1rLaSHBvxUiGnNWWkgcIjFt3BQQ0tz0uqeACRk_3ZNNqMSvuxkv0QUxc5OsS8dBSP4i3-XiFsE0qKsJ4xntsdnAOzzWt1UGnPFj8ENR93o1eJGM852Sa4aZ3pDJRTla5eNKMmy6S6T8Ls8pu0-7/w640-h360/cam14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The romance is cute. It gets rolling pretty quickly, with both couples striking up good friendships that soon lead to more. Meanwhile, the comedy is all fairly basic, nothing getting more than a chuckle out of me, but it's only a light picture anyway, and nothing in it was unfunny, or aggressively annoying.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXzNI4X0wvg8hzLR-PhSl2LDWxtuQa_SVHypx3kfUMRihk-GmxQSj_ZlaEhj9Aa41aef7z3J1Yzay2LRkBLuPlu5-CmDc5GGXOfcVL2e6G7v4dogswx4qnqLWfthDbSx2tt0At2cg8N2OtLqEp98qb-8oW_RJ0tuyTNpJdhNCLRukOxIGtrPlFqxci1Cz/s960/cam3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXzNI4X0wvg8hzLR-PhSl2LDWxtuQa_SVHypx3kfUMRihk-GmxQSj_ZlaEhj9Aa41aef7z3J1Yzay2LRkBLuPlu5-CmDc5GGXOfcVL2e6G7v4dogswx4qnqLWfthDbSx2tt0At2cg8N2OtLqEp98qb-8oW_RJ0tuyTNpJdhNCLRukOxIGtrPlFqxci1Cz/w640-h360/cam3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The characters here are good. Murat is a fine lead character. Not the deepest of heroes, but leaves a positive impression. His sidekick meanwhile is more comic relief, and is never annoying.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmSq4tKfvrJfuD-qQ8BoxszzoAcJ5RdWyiw5xCYFHfCMFtQQIYX9h2aXAB2UUlnatHoT7IMAodrurJ2gPogmcqKW1w9_6hB40OwWGftzcWhQDHX_y92lhBXcX8Q9bhT3aygPTUNA34R9AW1v6VaMg-rOYTSrgFdvIjEmITgt2mp7TtFCye3vPdlFyDL4U/s960/cam4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmSq4tKfvrJfuD-qQ8BoxszzoAcJ5RdWyiw5xCYFHfCMFtQQIYX9h2aXAB2UUlnatHoT7IMAodrurJ2gPogmcqKW1w9_6hB40OwWGftzcWhQDHX_y92lhBXcX8Q9bhT3aygPTUNA34R9AW1v6VaMg-rOYTSrgFdvIjEmITgt2mp7TtFCye3vPdlFyDL4U/w640-h360/cam4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The girls are a wild pair! They're sisters who get along swimmingly, until the slightest disagreement, then they chase each-other across the house, and demolish their rooms in big brawls that end in massive amounts of spanking! They have fun interactions with the various other characters throughout, be they good or bad.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOrWUQIrqLUBn0cPW5VkDWRKyVk0GyYGtwUow1_S2o043u8aWb-ZX-04kQG8NuVhymMZIzI1xE4k5vrLq2-FZIW3GFJwtiwyu0RBm9npzTOr703p3f5KHYbbDuPcC5TMh-OBLuBhBA8EhBzGCVLdEdIS2Rd40xN9mMQETge928VLBZ5ZODDAGanAGTCEY/s960/cam10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOrWUQIrqLUBn0cPW5VkDWRKyVk0GyYGtwUow1_S2o043u8aWb-ZX-04kQG8NuVhymMZIzI1xE4k5vrLq2-FZIW3GFJwtiwyu0RBm9npzTOr703p3f5KHYbbDuPcC5TMh-OBLuBhBA8EhBzGCVLdEdIS2Rd40xN9mMQETge928VLBZ5ZODDAGanAGTCEY/w640-h360/cam10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd_BCWe83nD8dz8UWF42gx-rvVWn2iVxbMv86ta1KJzsexegkUXeOJuZfvkU4th5lBAANLTK_CzZsZ-3eaR3CRKsMcyyvf5ycXNML47TLTFvvjBYx-cOTud26b4sCeiK1C2gQ_Ko-sV4uSrd_sSq52vLV7eJvU2Ld0XxpchpX1v4rr0EhEQEovtByfRwr/s960/cam11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd_BCWe83nD8dz8UWF42gx-rvVWn2iVxbMv86ta1KJzsexegkUXeOJuZfvkU4th5lBAANLTK_CzZsZ-3eaR3CRKsMcyyvf5ycXNML47TLTFvvjBYx-cOTud26b4sCeiK1C2gQ_Ko-sV4uSrd_sSq52vLV7eJvU2Ld0XxpchpX1v4rr0EhEQEovtByfRwr/w640-h360/cam11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The supporting cast is good. The girls' father is a good guy, and has some nice earnest moments, giving him a connection with Murat. Then there's a nerdy and hapless guy who tries everything he can to get the attention of the sisters, despite constant setbacks, and them finding different beaus. He knows how to pick some good tunes though! The villains are a pair of bullies, who you enjoy seeing getting taken down a peg, be it verbally, in bar fights, or in a race, where all the fancy equipment they boast about is put to the test. I really liked what happens in the ending, which was a sweet 3 Musketeers style moment of throwing villainy to the side.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The score is made up of many cute 60s-ish tunes, which I got a kick out of. The last act also has a healthy amount of classic parade marches for the boating contest, and such. I half expected the 'Monty Python theme' to play!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi584NXt1aMjNQtkvOANpW8TcDxgBcPDLXUG2X3R_Mz4MjEIJy36BNH1AsJvWcv5cwrnd__21p302P1YmrysMQl9obIRAorFuD-ylGVPg73jLfJcHuskFOR8YjQnhP4OrmHJMyWvLep3GbiZWDmVG3TS7raXfz0-uHygMPkWYQMYBZSEggaGV4XG8W6WXNZ/s960/cam7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi584NXt1aMjNQtkvOANpW8TcDxgBcPDLXUG2X3R_Mz4MjEIJy36BNH1AsJvWcv5cwrnd__21p302P1YmrysMQl9obIRAorFuD-ylGVPg73jLfJcHuskFOR8YjQnhP4OrmHJMyWvLep3GbiZWDmVG3TS7raXfz0-uHygMPkWYQMYBZSEggaGV4XG8W6WXNZ/w640-h360/cam7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Çam Sakızı is quite a good looking film, and it captures the boating content well! There's presumably a mix of race footage shot separately, and actors inserted in, but if so the seams are all hidden fairly well. The only problem is the quality of the print I saw, which was a point below garbage. Low-quality rarely adds to the enjoyment of a movie, but this is one where it really hinders the visual experience! The film is in black-and-white, and looks fine, although I do wonder how it would've looked in colour. Some movies need a flourish, some can do without, and this one could've gone either way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The movie also has a snazzy opening credits sequence, which use a mix of illustrations and photos. I only saw it once I was lucky enough to discover another better print of the movie, containing these credits. Then again, maybe not so lucky if I only found it <i>after</i> I'd seen the movie.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvxXR7yh7Fc1tLbvZUibzDSgjseK5g8_7gjS811xOTxh3qr4Qa897rs5FYXtkaGA7jC9x-jBirb-P0Dm2pgkxA2DMIVc4nxo_e3p5cHIvEXqCMalaKovUkkFR4uGoVUQPSHunkIoO1wkn2ftE4FTJtSTMonMJeN1ETUVnDSd5OXL2XavLYkVC5dARhBbY/s960/cam5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvxXR7yh7Fc1tLbvZUibzDSgjseK5g8_7gjS811xOTxh3qr4Qa897rs5FYXtkaGA7jC9x-jBirb-P0Dm2pgkxA2DMIVc4nxo_e3p5cHIvEXqCMalaKovUkkFR4uGoVUQPSHunkIoO1wkn2ftE4FTJtSTMonMJeN1ETUVnDSd5OXL2XavLYkVC5dARhBbY/w640-h360/cam5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtau5sPtMS_QDNqueExDXdwbPu2XO9AketF7t21_bnhET3oQV9ArnFGWosmppb-p7fk4uHKnTJdBttCT-lWqn_MRWvFXv3dWFprFKA7dQfgjLxAwU79GV2t7Up960zGpgwxRhVOcOe1AljCSDVvX1DsFt3makCwPGGUW3Mh8RXKvTaR1jvc1BDqioAdxO/s960/cam16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtau5sPtMS_QDNqueExDXdwbPu2XO9AketF7t21_bnhET3oQV9ArnFGWosmppb-p7fk4uHKnTJdBttCT-lWqn_MRWvFXv3dWFprFKA7dQfgjLxAwU79GV2t7Up960zGpgwxRhVOcOe1AljCSDVvX1DsFt3makCwPGGUW3Mh8RXKvTaR1jvc1BDqioAdxO/w640-h360/cam16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast here does a good job all-round. Orhan Günşiray is a fine lead, playing attractive romantic figures just as aptly as he would smartasses and comedy characters. Neriman Köksal and Suna Pekuysal are gorgeous and funny (I pissed myself laughing at the adorable way Neriman says Boo in her accent!), while = is decent as the sidekick and Ahmet Tarik Tekçe is a fun villain. There are also plenty of moustaches to go round, as you can expect from a Turkish production!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvW5BuTakq0LzGhZsnERrTSeI9SFqrRfAZvC85tpdmmIV3awyBwmgyxXt4HTTLf8AUyzS7Y7nL-lGHMbUaot_GOwmaHfOk5z4oqX__lWUWryBhNVw6L2FDP_jy2wkqQLS448A5nX_V8JiAcbWUxof6GJXz26v65lbfqqliBl7jC2wFG_XXw93xAVyXz-W/s960/cam15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvW5BuTakq0LzGhZsnERrTSeI9SFqrRfAZvC85tpdmmIV3awyBwmgyxXt4HTTLf8AUyzS7Y7nL-lGHMbUaot_GOwmaHfOk5z4oqX__lWUWryBhNVw6L2FDP_jy2wkqQLS448A5nX_V8JiAcbWUxof6GJXz26v65lbfqqliBl7jC2wFG_XXw93xAVyXz-W/w640-h360/cam15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Çam Sakızı is a fun enough rom-com, with enough to entertain, even if there's nothing overly special about it. It's just a simple artifact of a great period...<br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-48712696258117976902023-11-21T02:30:00.000-08:002023-11-21T02:30:11.626-08:00Hababam Taburu (1975)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoucfCR_CZCLUeqjqvrrxLK6_7MxO_jmgUByagextzTWqB4ywdMwFZXWypIkd61t3K9WjH7VAAXDbfdm6UI27IvNNxk58GFsi6AFu5TPgjbcG3vt1T-O2LwKBAU770RyNsEfafLcpairb4WAIluaK_AeOyA5UH8Lpuj7Aql5tK7bGLeFq4hZ2Pj3utKzQW/s565/hab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoucfCR_CZCLUeqjqvrrxLK6_7MxO_jmgUByagextzTWqB4ywdMwFZXWypIkd61t3K9WjH7VAAXDbfdm6UI27IvNNxk58GFsi6AFu5TPgjbcG3vt1T-O2LwKBAU770RyNsEfafLcpairb4WAIluaK_AeOyA5UH8Lpuj7Aql5tK7bGLeFq4hZ2Pj3utKzQW/s16000/hab.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWUW4FqD3EbgroOGoJzBxrbPIjes3utv0OZKVvbKIWwG9Nf-MI6PGpof0Xy8iX61lOZ7atF-64fMvj0Lhrud8HxDtNfrjqaAC1-IlD-nZPWLXo7RYVYbADdGOC68h2R0pkdYkBOYjCVbO8NWNIqpTVexyOPgnGF6ruvVWETEhegacQasjLUiLJLkWKf07/s675/hab12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="450" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWUW4FqD3EbgroOGoJzBxrbPIjes3utv0OZKVvbKIWwG9Nf-MI6PGpof0Xy8iX61lOZ7atF-64fMvj0Lhrud8HxDtNfrjqaAC1-IlD-nZPWLXo7RYVYbADdGOC68h2R0pkdYkBOYjCVbO8NWNIqpTVexyOPgnGF6ruvVWETEhegacQasjLUiLJLkWKf07/w427-h640/hab12.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A mischievous crew of sailors make a habit of pranking their crotchety old captain, but one day their tricks work a little too well, and send their vessel far off course into the North African coast. They land on the shores of small nation Umumba, where they're immediately pressganged into military service by the local government, engaged in their current war of the week. Now the group must figure out how to escape back to the high seas, and to home, without getting killed. And can they win a war or two along the way?...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGs_Nvb1hk_-eyYH6cpMIg-ZgQX_e8JIDqlXWhs03Qg6AY2sdJrzFN5unrdNrxw-FbsgnSy-Pz4mbwUKesdxi_dFQWDThHMKmV9yxX72bOEBvE8wdrUwBrjvZrpHdOoKJ3aWtmzEwaRQLKJLs-6i2t80N729vJZbZdP_IntXbOtxQYLF4zcnAIC2YCpaA/s960/hab3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGs_Nvb1hk_-eyYH6cpMIg-ZgQX_e8JIDqlXWhs03Qg6AY2sdJrzFN5unrdNrxw-FbsgnSy-Pz4mbwUKesdxi_dFQWDThHMKmV9yxX72bOEBvE8wdrUwBrjvZrpHdOoKJ3aWtmzEwaRQLKJLs-6i2t80N729vJZbZdP_IntXbOtxQYLF4zcnAIC2YCpaA/w640-h360/hab3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Hababam Taburu is a seaside/military comedy, not
to be confused with Turkish school classic Hababam Sınıfı. By the same
author, and the first of which also came out in 1975. Not sure which
came first, though I'd be inclined to say Sınıfı since that's the more
professional high quality film, whereas Taburu is a more basic product.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The story here is as basic as can be. Really it's just an excuse for comedy setpieces and shenanigans. As long as you go in aware of this you shouldn't have a problem. It's not like the movie ever pretends to be anything else. It also verges on softcore porn in places. I was pretty surprised by how far some bits went! Don't get me wrong, it's hardly on the same level as Porky's, but still, it exceeds the expectations you have for pictures like this!<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbniZiW-k4L-IqzDhnteKaSkcYha6FcLF4PwxHLB9ooLJhM1D0rfRJIguVmZ20zZXNhbF5g9CSs9xe2AVwn7KGvr23zbBXt_oRirNdUduLNaO0Ypl5VdepbIu1DKLNmZwjJWctvh4QN-iGsyr5jyzX17goVuIlv4plYsfDN_WESHlZdw0hZVwyVrBqQiNW/s960/hab8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbniZiW-k4L-IqzDhnteKaSkcYha6FcLF4PwxHLB9ooLJhM1D0rfRJIguVmZ20zZXNhbF5g9CSs9xe2AVwn7KGvr23zbBXt_oRirNdUduLNaO0Ypl5VdepbIu1DKLNmZwjJWctvh4QN-iGsyr5jyzX17goVuIlv4plYsfDN_WESHlZdw0hZVwyVrBqQiNW/w640-h360/hab8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What little chatter I've seen online about Taburu are mixed, with some taking a dislike to the film for its base simplicity, while others liking it for that same reason, seeing it as charming escapist fluff. I can see both sides, but in this day and age you can't go wrong with a decent routine comedy, even as a simple time-killer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kTw3EBEWodOiPQB3IUWLQRLB1n3fIw9_XIw8aBGY4QCQDxwwEAyPx1Ho83lZqXucqJBhF7R03RwpWllmuVdzDvXivChqt4H2vv4lneXKzAIZNLXO4Hh6gBSla8cJ193d7Wu8f8yCoTLH2LT8Xcse4iP8HBszEbwU6Mtu4LbbFxuOOpcHRz8kbPGcRUeD/s960/hab10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kTw3EBEWodOiPQB3IUWLQRLB1n3fIw9_XIw8aBGY4QCQDxwwEAyPx1Ho83lZqXucqJBhF7R03RwpWllmuVdzDvXivChqt4H2vv4lneXKzAIZNLXO4Hh6gBSla8cJ193d7Wu8f8yCoTLH2LT8Xcse4iP8HBszEbwU6Mtu4LbbFxuOOpcHRz8kbPGcRUeD/w640-h360/hab10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The comedy here is fairly standard stuff. Nothing you won't see coming, but is passable at worst, and funny at best. There's some good physical comedy here, and amusing situations. There was one moment with the guys trying to sneakily watch a porno, before being busted by Hulusi Kentmen, who shoos them all out and proceeds to...twirl his moustache if you get my drift. There are also a couple of grosser moments (mostly involving the big guy's belly, and a scene that could've been right out of Alien!).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The bellydancing scene, featuring the guys in female disguises, is as silly as you can imagine, but you almost forget this with how into their song the movie gets. And I also noticed a similar joke from other Turkish comedy Şaban Oğlu Şaban. I did
think it odd that Taburu would pinch a joke (albeit a fairly commonplace one
already), yet be otherwise completely different. Well as it turns out, it predates all three of Kemal Sunal's military comedies!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRnPbv9ziL9ZpjQoXTN5pMopIQ3HMwui27L7LgPzUim423s8ieqTuvpuwpNRl7pkG4mK8munlevbZUYR4qqNM9bxv6wM25d8DLO4EF_Nf7r5bBHMZlcAP9fp4fAH2ZZ6rgMfW3I5wVLUV1rVBBOH2uh-rdzG9oMSCT0oWZz2riADXhdWuE7JPieZ49-Qe/s960/hab2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRnPbv9ziL9ZpjQoXTN5pMopIQ3HMwui27L7LgPzUim423s8ieqTuvpuwpNRl7pkG4mK8munlevbZUYR4qqNM9bxv6wM25d8DLO4EF_Nf7r5bBHMZlcAP9fp4fAH2ZZ6rgMfW3I5wVLUV1rVBBOH2uh-rdzG9oMSCT0oWZz2riADXhdWuE7JPieZ49-Qe/w640-h360/hab2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jxkZveqRgDXjGkAHoayMRZqYCiEjpdQqFXk_o6pfi4bMxFzfYOFUIpPOnHvX9T2qKs8m-FStEUjgaP3B8iBtUOi1uDsRrEuoGFm0sXnVO1jHfZr5hXTnTpZmmTrG1Inh9aGMGJjpoVyHYfD8Ta5VdcAWZu2UNiZTUY0UH_6qgqI5W12oADKYhKxRtc8p/s960/hab4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jxkZveqRgDXjGkAHoayMRZqYCiEjpdQqFXk_o6pfi4bMxFzfYOFUIpPOnHvX9T2qKs8m-FStEUjgaP3B8iBtUOi1uDsRrEuoGFm0sXnVO1jHfZr5hXTnTpZmmTrG1Inh9aGMGJjpoVyHYfD8Ta5VdcAWZu2UNiZTUY0UH_6qgqI5W12oADKYhKxRtc8p/w640-h360/hab4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The main characters in Taburu are fairly basic archetypes. No-one really shines in their own distinct way, but none are meant to. They're just here to entertain. Their long suffering captain bears the brunt of much of their pranks, and while I wouldn't say they're the most <i>likeable</i> per se, they never come across as malicious. The supporting cast are much the same, though some stand out more, such as the sultry nurse. Despite her sunkissed North African surroundings, she dresses as a stereotypical nurse, albeit with a much smaller skirt size, and little concept of buttons. And is surprisingly reciprocal to advances from whoever happens to giving.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq4r6NONvjl5VJbKlZa3MhNqj_R6KQdAdL4BloB2eEyd_xBCbVBHV_bg8VppTnHtBNHbVRop1NyAHTUc9a9qYNosUsX9LizWEs8DulAz68SFf5zFsBcwuAKUqmj2L7INYsTSH1kGNzi67BBhiC0lGgVXJf1nmB5mgr_5RWT4eTmnnC1m6P7E4Z5k-4hfr/s960/hab13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq4r6NONvjl5VJbKlZa3MhNqj_R6KQdAdL4BloB2eEyd_xBCbVBHV_bg8VppTnHtBNHbVRop1NyAHTUc9a9qYNosUsX9LizWEs8DulAz68SFf5zFsBcwuAKUqmj2L7INYsTSH1kGNzi67BBhiC0lGgVXJf1nmB5mgr_5RWT4eTmnnC1m6P7E4Z5k-4hfr/w640-h360/hab13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
climax is fun. An invasion of the other side has come, and the gang
must try their best to hold it off. And they do so with some clever
thinking and strategy. The kind that could only come to a bunch of tricky goofballs like these.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Then we have a fun ending, with some rewards, a sweet-ish interaction between captain
and crew, and one last prank. Just a shame there's not more fun music to
play us out, instead just cutting abruptly to The End.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKvbNbJ_OeyYfwcabiQ-ygjcrvAZbDGUerGjjjBvKr3pRWZNANdu9zPhzA-DLefl9V6A_xxKd00-e7Pjmys80JTR0ljl98XCfLHvLFcob9E44rwPB3D0ByUuHxanZ5BPYWq3mjGNsLr5OY6mkTzhKzP5M-spJAJTbg2b-Amsxl6xSCDX26EgoIyH-lCxG/s960/hab5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKvbNbJ_OeyYfwcabiQ-ygjcrvAZbDGUerGjjjBvKr3pRWZNANdu9zPhzA-DLefl9V6A_xxKd00-e7Pjmys80JTR0ljl98XCfLHvLFcob9E44rwPB3D0ByUuHxanZ5BPYWq3mjGNsLr5OY6mkTzhKzP5M-spJAJTbg2b-Amsxl6xSCDX26EgoIyH-lCxG/w640-h360/hab5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2oVIkQLHuNS0ZQL1gBKyKnGZB917YZMqXBW-3ZKQ5fGgX92VEmS7dFyqRO9dOhBcSUdW_8JpKb9fEcxQ7c_HWXo6RUtfdp2aRkDe0mAYPFaOEJkCgjMSgiv7PNeJ2kmeaFYPwtTW1vLkc02A5aGDFp3-kWgcxd5hwKFFIG-CgrZvchPg3-WnBOSfDyPo/s960/hab6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2oVIkQLHuNS0ZQL1gBKyKnGZB917YZMqXBW-3ZKQ5fGgX92VEmS7dFyqRO9dOhBcSUdW_8JpKb9fEcxQ7c_HWXo6RUtfdp2aRkDe0mAYPFaOEJkCgjMSgiv7PNeJ2kmeaFYPwtTW1vLkc02A5aGDFp3-kWgcxd5hwKFFIG-CgrZvchPg3-WnBOSfDyPo/w640-h360/hab6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast here is made up of secondary players as far as the Yeşilçam era was concerned, barring stalwart Hulusi Kentmen. He's his typical amusing grumpy self. The others give decent performances for what they are. Nothing amazing, and some might find their mugging a little annoying, but they're not egregiously bad, and this isn't meant to be high art or anything. Figen Han is drop dead sexy as the nurse, and could take my pulse anytime! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vnUreDuuArd-3MCJo5yk1pOOOj9aaVWqMG3rFhfx65BTL8V_FbaJcUy8PrC4TJTmB-MhP3gEJaYLN-MFB9j912ACh3LO8uebWkFVflcRhiURasTJ3Gc7SM77x_0lZ9_qnE1Y7V1W-WDBtgabozONzJHDwEIrSK10-IWrokwYyEcf0pF-LedZsQqGfIOI/s960/hab1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vnUreDuuArd-3MCJo5yk1pOOOj9aaVWqMG3rFhfx65BTL8V_FbaJcUy8PrC4TJTmB-MhP3gEJaYLN-MFB9j912ACh3LO8uebWkFVflcRhiURasTJ3Gc7SM77x_0lZ9_qnE1Y7V1W-WDBtgabozONzJHDwEIrSK10-IWrokwYyEcf0pF-LedZsQqGfIOI/w640-h360/hab1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hababam Taburu is a visually pleasing film. The crew have a nice color balance to them, especially when contrasted with the boat, and the blue sky and ocean. Bit of a shame then when they're drafted and stuck in identical military uniforms. The location work is good, convincing as North Africa despite a presumable more Anatolian filming area. Then there's the illustrated opening credits, which have a fun art style, complementing the movie's goofy tone and literary origins well!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The score here is a hoot! We've got a fun main theme, and tracks feeling right out of a jazzy(?) 60s production like Casino Royale, and some more 70s period tunes, that reminded me of A Summer Place.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TDmNKNswhPHw69iDsHhKAHLmRxh8KuKyS_dKcJuBiO7R4wPfrhaikoLo8djQWPrFVJzpnSlB0ZSQaROmiJvgHb9O6nfSR4T-DeM09jkurjtZ32qAisfF1XCsrP9i0LRdioVjnw45cgCydIelOyDUlba5IJAuRvDeYO-uYOi-hW1Wq8M5RaSJjf5sRtqF/s960/hab11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TDmNKNswhPHw69iDsHhKAHLmRxh8KuKyS_dKcJuBiO7R4wPfrhaikoLo8djQWPrFVJzpnSlB0ZSQaROmiJvgHb9O6nfSR4T-DeM09jkurjtZ32qAisfF1XCsrP9i0LRdioVjnw45cgCydIelOyDUlba5IJAuRvDeYO-uYOi-hW1Wq8M5RaSJjf5sRtqF/w640-h360/hab11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hababam Taburu may not be a patch on the more famous film to bear half that name, but it's still a pretty fun Turkish comedy. It's got some fun actors, decent humour, and is a good time killer for those who like Oriental hijinks...<br /></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-52969418014164467722023-11-10T00:03:00.000-08:002024-01-20T23:20:57.484-08:00The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWag5yat4Sd5gdZJ02kiQfenKCiWMBsxXaaCVftEyxND8itX5_VQyh9sN-tdu9qxRjaq9Xvl6urXatzMOBlaOdKTYhyhuNBGNP4-3H_QUgkE2y72RqUVmh1BQTcejTQc4Uj4bfQq7YKedJffaLBdTyMugVA9vaeA524crOu_hE_58MmiEfJGnGseVAIZj/s798/buc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="522" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWag5yat4Sd5gdZJ02kiQfenKCiWMBsxXaaCVftEyxND8itX5_VQyh9sN-tdu9qxRjaq9Xvl6urXatzMOBlaOdKTYhyhuNBGNP4-3H_QUgkE2y72RqUVmh1BQTcejTQc4Uj4bfQq7YKedJffaLBdTyMugVA9vaeA524crOu_hE_58MmiEfJGnGseVAIZj/w419-h640/buc.jpg" width="419" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Buckaroo Banzai has it all. He's a world-class genius, scientist, athlete, crimefighter, and part-time rock star. His latest experiment sees him testing an interdimensional craft, but it proves to be more than they bargained when it attracts the attention of the Red Lectroids of Planet X. They've been stranded on Earth ever since a past experiment, and are determined to steal Buckaroo's tech to return home to retake their old planet. Now it's up to Buckaroo to stop them before the entire planet is destroyed. Easy for Earth's greatest hero!...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH5_eobCzxPBWBx_ZypWG0zVZYHK2ZJh7Ehyphenhyphen8G0Bb2OkNT5KWJXvbuG3okQVBrDt3NaN4u6qax6cHN-U1cz1SWb3zTgZOu8xsNKj8p9lo24O3SfHi2yRPtYLaPHCwVtsHJP1J8Y9P8odaj0RrrNtOgHCv6doGhOZ_0mpwgANqaQRgZW7GoaOcQdgAIDCo/s960/buc1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH5_eobCzxPBWBx_ZypWG0zVZYHK2ZJh7Ehyphenhyphen8G0Bb2OkNT5KWJXvbuG3okQVBrDt3NaN4u6qax6cHN-U1cz1SWb3zTgZOu8xsNKj8p9lo24O3SfHi2yRPtYLaPHCwVtsHJP1J8Y9P8odaj0RrrNtOgHCv6doGhOZ_0mpwgANqaQRgZW7GoaOcQdgAIDCo/w640-h360/buc1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension is one of the prototypical cult movies of the 80s. A failure upon its release, it gained a small but dedicated fanbase, and is fondly remembered to this day, despite never getting the franchise it may have set out to jumpstart.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This movie didn't do well for a few reasons. The long title might've put some people off (come on, guys, live a little!), and the movie is willfully obtuse, acting as if it's not the first entry, and we're already familiar with this hero. In a way it's fun being thrust into this world partway.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRne07Sd-8GGcZdP06hlx2hKm-KkWPK8oKoxFLg-LJFcCrlvzPEH-kvXrXFy8kBm-V4g3nlxIjqbqDEgY1sWdm7RP6eSgDeFtW3VecP6c2fIJbTrfarLWiOAPc43pbnPCQ_CDpjiUVUFUSp75kVCID_dq0UJOgLuzQAEUzlPbcdZwgYT1NBqm6Yi8xVkk/s960/buc4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRne07Sd-8GGcZdP06hlx2hKm-KkWPK8oKoxFLg-LJFcCrlvzPEH-kvXrXFy8kBm-V4g3nlxIjqbqDEgY1sWdm7RP6eSgDeFtW3VecP6c2fIJbTrfarLWiOAPc43pbnPCQ_CDpjiUVUFUSp75kVCID_dq0UJOgLuzQAEUzlPbcdZwgYT1NBqm6Yi8xVkk/w640-h360/buc4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But the main thing getting in the way of wider popularity is the same reason the movie is so beloved. It's a bloody <i>weird</i> film! And not weird in a way you'd expect either. A bit of goofiness is to be expected. But Buckaroo Banzai's weirdness is baked right into the story. The film is dense and confusing, not because it has a complicated story, but its presentation is off-kilter. One thing'll happen without warning to make you go 'Huh?', and before it gets an explanation two more things happen to make you go 'Wait, what the hell's going on?!'.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVUEO094nORN5f4Phdu6-4DKCkOc2SqsBJSUSN_mM1F_ws_T-yIJoqgAr4B8jRxvR69R5gRXegtkQNvwa22tWtDMG-F1tcz1r75QGcXPK-wdtF1me-s7TW9kzmsvMuuVHO6lXbbTSyceMUjXXj8UWUZCiYQHTuNOV-sKYai86SYO8oUTGYXP7UO_tWGnu/s960/buc2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVUEO094nORN5f4Phdu6-4DKCkOc2SqsBJSUSN_mM1F_ws_T-yIJoqgAr4B8jRxvR69R5gRXegtkQNvwa22tWtDMG-F1tcz1r75QGcXPK-wdtF1me-s7TW9kzmsvMuuVHO6lXbbTSyceMUjXXj8UWUZCiYQHTuNOV-sKYai86SYO8oUTGYXP7UO_tWGnu/w640-h360/buc2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film also feels random and weird for weird's sake, like the watermelon scene. That's one of the film's most famous cult moment, although it was kinda blink or you'll miss it. That sense of background weirdness does run the risk of underplaying some jokes, but it spares the film from being obnoxious.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As weird as the world of Buckaroo Banzai is, it's also oddly normal at times. It's just our boring old world, with with a few superficial touches of wackiness. I'm not sure how I feel about this. On one hand it's a nice mix that stops things from getting too out-there for comfort. But on the other hand it does make what should be a wacky world seem a bit...duller?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While not a comedy, the film has a lighthearted presentation. This I like, though not all the comedy landed for me. I found some of it kinda lame. It's good when it hits though.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZftDyIUhWZoillcW1Bc8NkUwm-3MJuBkKG3c9By0BTZgZaKs0AuuFLnZDeTltgmu6DI58xpwLQHOiLq4CkSuScFxxhub9B3Oetob1yYhvMBIcI1DWQLTK8HzjSxob2eWUEN6DCM-noSgiQbjNntCNg9xVADaTcbI8W9RAxRecfAp5W2h03GyllpTuLrU/s960/buc5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZftDyIUhWZoillcW1Bc8NkUwm-3MJuBkKG3c9By0BTZgZaKs0AuuFLnZDeTltgmu6DI58xpwLQHOiLq4CkSuScFxxhub9B3Oetob1yYhvMBIcI1DWQLTK8HzjSxob2eWUEN6DCM-noSgiQbjNntCNg9xVADaTcbI8W9RAxRecfAp5W2h03GyllpTuLrU/w640-h360/buc5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Buckaroo is a decent lead character. He's presented as the greatest in every field, but isn't insufferably perfect. He's a pretty mellow guy, and is an action hero with a greater focus on heart and friendship than carnage and big muscles. This is highlighted with the breathtakingly philosophical quote "Hey now, don't be mean. We don't have to be mean, cause, remember, no matter where you go, there you are". Wow, powerful stuff.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79GJwuQanLykpTWLUIDxzjqc4OGwWVQa-0g2muw3vSAXBC3hzBPTQTKOgvxG5kCy2UZ6qGWuHS-NSjcsYTbW_kwj-_Nsg-aWrtbgs7zLdyXpJedxJbQvOabBXr2faPfAW6ZaNW-ee88M2fUUlFAFwAgQDziiKA4tYXSQrgDRzInBHL8fwffDLLr8mkMbL/s960/buc8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79GJwuQanLykpTWLUIDxzjqc4OGwWVQa-0g2muw3vSAXBC3hzBPTQTKOgvxG5kCy2UZ6qGWuHS-NSjcsYTbW_kwj-_Nsg-aWrtbgs7zLdyXpJedxJbQvOabBXr2faPfAW6ZaNW-ee88M2fUUlFAFwAgQDziiKA4tYXSQrgDRzInBHL8fwffDLLr8mkMbL/w640-h360/buc8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Penny Priddy meanwhile is a bit of a drip. She starts out suicidal, and gets herself in hot water when security mistake her for an assassin. From here on she ends up embroiled in events, and she improves as the movie goes on. By the end she plays a decent part, even if she has no idea what's going on or who's who.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their love story is pretty weird. Admittedly Buckaroo does partly fall for Penny due to her circumstances, but mainly it's because she's the spitting image of his deceased wife, who it turns out is Penny's long lost sister. What a coincidence! Buckaroo's old wife is rarely mentioned straight out, and this connection really isn't used to its full potential. It makes their coupling feel a little shallow too.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIc7ZrRnsYzegQ1XMmaXKFSOYqaWpYElYa8ICBvqT3uDL1YNhSWRpSNvXSZkHwklavLyxSlCtHymYrxhFjQKlscteXS3OcAyoSSpBXCwzop0j_2nNobpFDWHsfshNO7qfWeETeOgWThZifz6KeJD43IpNlLvbOXZazDbygcThDCs_NtUx4R7_rwWrmxRF/s960/buc6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIc7ZrRnsYzegQ1XMmaXKFSOYqaWpYElYa8ICBvqT3uDL1YNhSWRpSNvXSZkHwklavLyxSlCtHymYrxhFjQKlscteXS3OcAyoSSpBXCwzop0j_2nNobpFDWHsfshNO7qfWeETeOgWThZifz6KeJD43IpNlLvbOXZazDbygcThDCs_NtUx4R7_rwWrmxRF/w640-h360/buc6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Buckaroo's team of sidekicks are ok. They have fun names, wacky outfits, or cool swagger, but are all pretty underdeveloped and one-note. There's a lot to keep track of too. Then there's a friendly alien, who doesn't add much.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lectoids make for pretty fun adversaries, with their weird quirks. Not all of it landed for me, but they weren't dull at least. I didn't have any idea what was up with Dr. Emilio Lizardo and Lord Worfin though.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiYa4q8Ao5a9fC4kIWO0yBw3-AMxD5XJGMesmKqeHtwLf0sHiSuEbvD7qvBX0PIKU4UK8scHg4c1beod-duCih1kICjGrYul-UtskP7HncN0V2ek9xKHLrgW-0rvwOxf-kZ1aIEJAa1HPdQ-1b4LvO8vZNvGI43GKPxHjf2R3OsDVVE-ZMA4_aQNdZ7-p/s960/buc12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiYa4q8Ao5a9fC4kIWO0yBw3-AMxD5XJGMesmKqeHtwLf0sHiSuEbvD7qvBX0PIKU4UK8scHg4c1beod-duCih1kICjGrYul-UtskP7HncN0V2ek9xKHLrgW-0rvwOxf-kZ1aIEJAa1HPdQ-1b4LvO8vZNvGI43GKPxHjf2R3OsDVVE-ZMA4_aQNdZ7-p/w640-h360/buc12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've gotta say though, the Red Lectroids really didn't seem that bad, just as the Black Lectroids didn't seem that good! All the Reds wanna do is escape back home, and don't really have any interest in Earth. To them it's just a shitty hovel of monkey men, and they can't wait to see the back of it. They're assholes, sure, but that's it. It's only on the word of the Blacks (god that sounds bad out of context!) that says Worfin is worse than Hitler. They say this while also threatening our heroes to stop Worfin or else they'll trigger a nuclear holocaust and destroy the earth! It's also pretty rich of them to blame Buckaroo for unleashing the Reds, considering it was they who trapped them in the 8th dimension in the first place!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KPP7sCvRp-i47A15XNeJjA0T8ecXSBiuLRRXNXx091zFXkLsFWa-zgdFC_Q6slvizqCG-Y7YlVtW7DqmS939KXuIk9CKOWGTGrsr6xCPLCH1llehv7LuUau3svInP0h2kEglP0KWYrUg4EPI4Rvwzn_kF8x8oozExfg40zRSpJcK8gFoipUr2iHO3FLa/s960/buc9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KPP7sCvRp-i47A15XNeJjA0T8ecXSBiuLRRXNXx091zFXkLsFWa-zgdFC_Q6slvizqCG-Y7YlVtW7DqmS939KXuIk9CKOWGTGrsr6xCPLCH1llehv7LuUau3svInP0h2kEglP0KWYrUg4EPI4Rvwzn_kF8x8oozExfg40zRSpJcK8gFoipUr2iHO3FLa/w640-h360/buc9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast is good. Peter Weller gets a different leading role, as an action star with a sensitive side, while still looking like he could kick your ass (albeit not in an obvious overmuscled way). His entourage contains many familiar faces, from a cool and collected Jeff Goldblum, to a fun Clancy Brown. Ellen Barkin is an ok love interest. Christopher Lloyd and Vincent Schiavelli are welcome, if minor, presences. There's also an oddly dubbed performance from a barely recognisable Ron Lacey.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film's biggest MVP though is John Lithgow! Apparently the director wanted someone else, and was unhappy that a bigger name actor was forced upon him by the studio. If true, I'm sure he bloody well changed his tune quickly, because Lithgow goes <i>all out</i>! He embraces the insanity of the film more than anyone else, not only with his wild visage and ridiculous Italian accent, but his bizarre inflections! Sure, he verges on annoying at times, but you've gotta admire any actor wiling to go so crazy in a role.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JpdVMY7Um067bdSDDFnuIsHbggI5hcp7q3woXeegdf25A8sq61lC8uhMehER6j6gNPTfYoEcocePJ9LKOFQdmAzbPrtj56zKAXXrVmIK-k9HEMgsfUUAZGWI1A9syCbQNNA_qaOnQS-_T8Ck9EPt2Ru0QZLTuYMGtI0u1xABBLzLFXyfLAGCmHWdJOLW/s960/buc3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JpdVMY7Um067bdSDDFnuIsHbggI5hcp7q3woXeegdf25A8sq61lC8uhMehER6j6gNPTfYoEcocePJ9LKOFQdmAzbPrtj56zKAXXrVmIK-k9HEMgsfUUAZGWI1A9syCbQNNA_qaOnQS-_T8Ck9EPt2Ru0QZLTuYMGtI0u1xABBLzLFXyfLAGCmHWdJOLW/w640-h360/buc3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The effects are a high point, from the spaceships, to interdimensional travel, and of course the make-up for the aliens. It's a good, fun design, and moulds well to the faces of each actor. You probably won't notice who's who without pausing, but still! I'm sure there was an effort to make the film with a cheesy look to it, but never in the sense that it's 'so bad it's good'.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The soundtrack is pretty neat! It's not ostentatious, and is surprisingly lowkey. There are some 80s synth pieces, as well as a brief concert scene (not much to my liking, although there still shoulda been more if the heroes are rock stars!), and there's an overall sense of positivity and triumph from some of them. It reflects the sense of living in a world with a man as brilliant as Buckaroo Banzai!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film is directed well, and a notable moment is the 'music video' ending credits, which is silly yet sincere, as the film's heroes all do a power walk while inspirational music plays.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7bIrXqc8-AiwxGObHFXjorm_3_jgyOxfmcmTD_PvxO3qotIlWACVxjULOmPxoHGSphW_yVStLZ6GApSa0BERVgB5WZvzZUHVCcQl-Q0s372SGzHXw1_mfJfYMHPH0hsOb4-RTeasaOE-cfvfCKWG5sOJHJRALqaYE1ECSlw3bjpTdTAXY4jvcelunQxf/s960/buc10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7bIrXqc8-AiwxGObHFXjorm_3_jgyOxfmcmTD_PvxO3qotIlWACVxjULOmPxoHGSphW_yVStLZ6GApSa0BERVgB5WZvzZUHVCcQl-Q0s372SGzHXw1_mfJfYMHPH0hsOb4-RTeasaOE-cfvfCKWG5sOJHJRALqaYE1ECSlw3bjpTdTAXY4jvcelunQxf/w640-h360/buc10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai is an ok watch, and worth checking out at least once though didn't do a lot for me. The end credits promise a sequel that would never come. I don't know if that was a serious hook or just a joke (and frankly a World Crime League sounds like a step down in scale compared to aliens trying to destroy the Earth), but I think the film kinda works better as an isolated 'fifth' entry, acting as if there are films before and after, but only in our imaginations...<br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-40539787501009859772023-11-07T02:25:00.000-08:002024-01-19T23:01:08.093-08:00The Delta Force (1986)<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Cannon
Films specialised in B-pictures, and this is what comprised the
majority of action lead Chuck Norris' career. He never really got the same A-list
treatment as Stallone, Willis, Lundgren, or Van Damme, for which we can
be grateful if you ask me. He's good for a cheesy laugh, but I've always
felt he lacks charisma, has poor quality control, and is a bit of an ass in real
life. 1986s The Delta Force however is different! For me it's the exception
that proves the rule in a way.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A
routine flight takes a turn for the worse when it's seized by Arab
terrorists. They take the plane to their base in Lebanon with these new
hostages in tow, singling out the Jewish passengers. The US government
quickly gets word of the hijacking and assembles the crack Delta Force
to save the day. Can they succeed?...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
Delta Force is an action film, based on the real events of only a few
years prior. It takes a...few liberties with the story, as can be
imagined when a real event is turned into a popcorn flick. The film got
mixed reception on its release, and is still enjoyed by some to this
day, for much the same reason. It's regarded as jingoistic, and
unbelievable. Those who enjoy it though love it for its cheesiness, and
unapologetic 80s style! Where do I fit in? In the middle. This is a film
with issues, especially in hindsight, but it makes for an enjoyably
ridiculous time!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Delta
Force is a patience-testing 125 minutes, and has an interesting
structure and tone. The first half comprises of the plane hijacking (the
ordeal, per the tagline), and gradually setting up the drama. While the
second half (the rescue) showcases the titular Delta Force as they
singlehandedly demolish an entire chunk of Beirut and kill every last
terrorist.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
first half is the film at its best. It's tense, fairly realistic, and
is a pretty good depiction of a hijacking, especially little touches
like the pasts of certain passengers, and the Jewish selections. Some
moments can be a little impactful, but it's also frequently overwrought.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
second half is where the film diverges. We cut away from the POV of the
passengers so quickly it's a bit jarring, and they're never featured
the same way again as they were. The focus is now on this crack team of
commandos. The realism of the first half is lost as we now see some of
the most ridiculous action this side of Commando! Dune buggies and
motorbikes equipped with machine guns and front and rear bazookas. Our
heroes blast their way through Lebanon with nary a scratch.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've
read some call Delta Force disrespectful to the real events, and in
some ways I can see. But to me the film comes off more like wish
fulfillment. And it's really only the second half with fighting the
terrorists where things go wildly 'off-book'.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The action in Delta Force is a highlight! Some might say it's stupid, I say it's fun!
While it takes far too long to get going (75 minutes before the first
real action scene, in-case you're wondering!), there's a nice variety of
punch-ups, chases, and gunfights. The fanciful vehicles feel straight
out of Megaforce, a kooky action flick that didn't do well, but must've
provided inspiration to this. The rear rocket launchers for Chuck's motorbike at the end though does make it look like he's farting! We also get some weird sounding guns. Not sure if is realistic or silly, but kinda cool anyway.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
final duel between Chuck and the head terrorist is ridiculous, with the
'professional soldier' toying with his food basically. He shows up from
afar on a hill, but as soon as Abdul raises his gun...Chuck's gone.
Then he plows his bike through a window and they brawl within an
abandoned house, before Chuck disappears again! He keeps doing this,
before finally blowing the guy up. Pretty easy death for such a
strong main villain.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
climax is a mix of chases and explosions, at the end of which Chuck
manages to catch up to and board a moving plane. During all the
fighting, astonishingly only <i>one</i> good guy dies! On the face of it
this is ridiculous, but I suppose it show show well-trained they are,
and it does sell the impact of this one life lost. The ending is pretty
good. A bit cheesy when everyone sings America the Beautiful, but not
drawn out, and has some emotional weight, as well as leaving us on a
positive note when the families reunite.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
passengers are a varied and likeable bunch, with some nice
interactions, in different ways. The Jewish ones get some of the best
moments, as does priest Father O'Malley, who's a tough fella. The pilot
gets some nice moments, as does the stewardess, although apparently some
real life heroics of theirs are cut for the film. Still, they come out
pretty well.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
terrorists make for ok villains, but lose their identity almost
entirely during the back half, to the point where we can barely tell who
being killed are random extras or main bad guys. There is one thing I
noticed on my recent rewatch. Unless I'm mistaken, we see the terrorists
hijack the plane and rattle off a lot of "Ve vill destroy ze
Jews!"...but at no point do they ever make any demands! Pretty
fundamental reason for hijacking a place to just leave out. Makes sense
considering Israelis made this, and they couldn't explain
the terrorists' motives without putting themselves in a terrible light.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
heroes are your typical US soldiers. Major McCoy retires in the
prologue after seeing one too many pen-pushing bureaucrat screw up a
mission by not letting the boys on the ground listen to their guts. He
might do things his own way, but by god he gets them done, HOO-RAH! But
events in the present lead to him saddling back up for duty...which was
entirely expected by everyone else in the unit. It's led by Colonel
Alexander. They're got a pretty cliched but nice relationship, with the Colonel acting as the gruff father figure to the perpetually late McCoy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now
let's get into Delta Force's more...controversial side, if that's the
right word-Its politics! On first glance this movie only seems political
in the general way. Foreign terrorists threatening American liberty,
etc. And in that regard it's honestly pretty inoffensive. Especially
since this is based on true events, and little of what the hijackers do
on the plane deviates from reality. We also get some humanisation from
one (though this is forgotten entirely).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How<i>ever</i>,
Cannon producers Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus are Israelis, and they
took a much more hands-on role in the making of this film, directing and
writing too. The film is even shot almost entirely on location in
Israel. This immediately put a very biased slant of the film, and it's a
little hard to overlook.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As
for the treatment of Arabs, besides the aforementioned humanising,
they're generically evil terrorists, ranting about Jews, Americans,
infidels, etc. We never see any innocent civilians save for extras.
What's really weird is something I only noticed on a rewatch-There are
posters of the Ayatollah Khomeini <i>everywhere</i>! Ummm, ya getting countries mixed up there? ' Ah well, Persian, Arab, they're all brown aren't they?'. I'd say Delta Force just gets a pass just by the skin of its teeth.
Little in the movie itself is outright bad, and only the
behind-the-scenes info is a little suss.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
cast here is an impressive one. The passengers read like a Who's who of
60s-70s Hollywood royalty, and feels like one of the old all-star
disaster films. An ageing Lee Marvin gets a juicy action role in what
would be his last performance, going out on a high. He delivers his line
with a positive gung-ho American flair.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
true lead is action 'star' and internet meme Chuck Norris, who acts as
well as you could imagine. Looks the part, and gets some fun badass
moments, though delivers some lines a little poorly. Usually I don't
discuss an actor's political beliefs unless they're
being a cunt. So let's dig in! Chuck Norris apparently butted heads with
Marvin on set, and in promotion for the film sounds like a typical
armchair general. If he was in charge
he'd only need to 'send in the boys' and bing bang boom, problem
solved! When in actuality if this
b-list actor was somehow leading the Pentagon, he'd probably get every
hostage and Delta Force member killed!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In
a casting decision that might ruffle a few feathers these days, Robert
Forster plays the lead terrorist, and he does a good job! I was
surprised to learn it was him, because I had no idea the first time I
saw this! The make-up team made him look convincingly Arabic. Not sure
how he sounds though. I hear he had a language coach, but Hollywood
actors say that a lot-It doesn't stop their accents from being
shithouse. Much of the Arabs here are actually played by Israelis.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This
is a great looking film, with Lebanese slums recreated decently. The
cramped indoors of the plane are filmed well, and there are some pretty
cotton fields in one scene (even if there apparently <i>are</i> no such fields in Lebanon).<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And
lastly, we come to the music. Prolific film composer Alan Silvestri
does the score here, and it's a high point! Made with synthesisers, it's
a silly but rousing tune. Even if it's not always played over the most
appropriate of scenes, it's a great listen!...But there's a problem.
This theme is played so many times! <i>SO</i> MANY! You will get so sick
of it! In the climax alone it plays at least 3 times, then another over
the credits. It must get around 20 replays? And as good a tune as it is
there's really not a lot to it, which becomes more apparent on the 20th
listen. The rest of the score is good, what little of it there is.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Overall,
The Delta Force is a mixed bag of a movie, but it's worth at least one
watch if you enjoy the old disaster ensembles, or cheesy 80s action. On
either front this doesn't disappoint, and the film's messaging won't
necessitate <i>too</i> much of a shower afterwards...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">sit down, 1:01, pilot gun head, twin bazookas, 1:21, dawn motorbike<br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-17476380195181681942023-11-06T21:34:00.000-08:002023-12-20T06:11:34.291-08:00West Bank Story (2005)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX48h5tb_ALyqZdT67ASRasiB61wLkV3Hlkdt2ZfkHwxOjR4ZJT2QMHiRq2B4zky340nGvy0vSEXtJLUpIPb7Xw_LNUKPIYrXZWhfavSxYEa94FaOjbIoHRZGbk5MUPliIo6-3-MgzWrgfAsfcQY81VsBBxuxpQAH6DA0nXijNd2jmkdctb39m37BCA3tv/s800/wbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="570" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX48h5tb_ALyqZdT67ASRasiB61wLkV3Hlkdt2ZfkHwxOjR4ZJT2QMHiRq2B4zky340nGvy0vSEXtJLUpIPb7Xw_LNUKPIYrXZWhfavSxYEa94FaOjbIoHRZGbk5MUPliIo6-3-MgzWrgfAsfcQY81VsBBxuxpQAH6DA0nXijNd2jmkdctb39m37BCA3tv/w456-h640/wbs.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">In
the 'disputed territory' of the West Bank lives two feuding families-One
Israeli and the other Palestinian, both owning their own restaurant-The Kosher King and Hummus Hut.
Their rivalry threatens to reach a boiling point just as two of each clan
fall for one another. Can the love these two share bring peace to the families and their region?...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDhyAA5aEfP4VzB8kXmVFoeUd_kNYfOEu5Jpz7YR0fBSjl9JTF_I0i7hmX__21RnZYdH402QmXfMg8ZU8a9lA0hSiD6M7ZDfo9yYJDE2rDjvwGKCi5prdcmR-wHPfjQGHMfF3A1gRJ3kDeTHYVp1M-6VrncnYvhVCdbGugrovYq1_ybxBmHMaVxA37EsO/s960/wbs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDhyAA5aEfP4VzB8kXmVFoeUd_kNYfOEu5Jpz7YR0fBSjl9JTF_I0i7hmX__21RnZYdH402QmXfMg8ZU8a9lA0hSiD6M7ZDfo9yYJDE2rDjvwGKCi5prdcmR-wHPfjQGHMfF3A1gRJ3kDeTHYVp1M-6VrncnYvhVCdbGugrovYq1_ybxBmHMaVxA37EsO/w640-h360/wbs1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I
first stumbled upon West Bank Story a few years ago when searching for
Palestinian cinema. Directed by an American-Israeli this doesn't exactly fit the bill, but oh well, fair's fair I checked it out. As the title suggests, it's a take on West Side
Story, by way of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with enough songs and
comedy to go round. A short film of only 20 minutes, it made a good
impression at the big film festivals, even winning an Oscar. This is the right kind of 'quirky, safe, foreign but not too foreign' that makes films award darlings.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking
at it on its own merits, and judging for what it is, West Bank Story is
fairly decent, if amateur (and certainly not Oscar-worthy!). It's simple, and the comedy is basic, at times recycled, with the plot itself being a twice removed pastiche of Romeo and Juliet
through American musical theatre. The film is never really able to settle though, thanks to its runtime, and feels more like cliffnotes of a story than the real thing. I guess since it is only a student film they probably just didn't have the resources to go beyond 20 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoTlmg84Y0vAEcG68T-mzndPNOTHxqEcbard_qb9HqgfZM7eGeqzJosNPkTUDwVTqUgFivcGb1DEE34Rs__HxuoMUy0cDn79Ik8hlG9adQxUvOwFF9yL02Zjo7E7YwRPoCf1HTAC6gMJrmNs4NaNs-olo9MOvtpO7ThMSKeUEPNwZhrySXaUHBYrAPyl6/s960/wbs5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoTlmg84Y0vAEcG68T-mzndPNOTHxqEcbard_qb9HqgfZM7eGeqzJosNPkTUDwVTqUgFivcGb1DEE34Rs__HxuoMUy0cDn79Ik8hlG9adQxUvOwFF9yL02Zjo7E7YwRPoCf1HTAC6gMJrmNs4NaNs-olo9MOvtpO7ThMSKeUEPNwZhrySXaUHBYrAPyl6/w640-h360/wbs5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSh2NTdf1uhfk24CyG_UBzjHxDaVX6r4he7OeiGoloqj4MlZrxQTvopHi82w7x9E885ChYH9i2PU76BqsfgIdGhlYY8L3qMQKCPRcMs1f55h6qeJXKRZLzCpSBeahrLmViJcLyW54D-pWU2ftatq9FnBM1Aq5Y93uXIMef65yzVvfHbqUHjHKL26F9dm7/s960/wbs4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSh2NTdf1uhfk24CyG_UBzjHxDaVX6r4he7OeiGoloqj4MlZrxQTvopHi82w7x9E885ChYH9i2PU76BqsfgIdGhlYY8L3qMQKCPRcMs1f55h6qeJXKRZLzCpSBeahrLmViJcLyW54D-pWU2ftatq9FnBM1Aq5Y93uXIMef65yzVvfHbqUHjHKL26F9dm7/w640-h360/wbs4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The comedy is mildly amusing at times, cringy at others, and comes off more American than anything else. It pokes fun at both sides, with an emphasis on stereotypes. Whether these come off as goodhearted and innocent or flat out racist may depend on the viewer. What I found a low point was a particular gag. The absurdity of it all, a cashier
firing an AK-47 into the ceiling before taking orders named after suicide bombing, could be funny,
if they weren't rooted in the idea that 'all Arabs are terrorists'.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some are critical of the overall concept of making a comedy based on a very real conflict. But I think it's fine. Getting humour out of dramatic situations can work wonders, and can not only be funny but cathartic. It depends on how you do it, otherwise it could come off as insensitive. As for how this does, ummmm, okay I guess, not wildly insensitive or mean-spirited.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0zrq40PlTbJSIJc8fvGGWbJgk4FN5EwS7U1SdF0UCBL8DyqN2pyvthq_XnGnKNWXbExMLLHWbMu7hDVsrWVP6PyGxmOnqMfci5Ip8ZAiXDg_ZJcR80EobhAeLO9OSFy6Nc8YcW-p2OazcPEyW640uJxFglPFyCyNKL8hzWU2FJuJngmYeoPh7h20yvmc/s960/wbs6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0zrq40PlTbJSIJc8fvGGWbJgk4FN5EwS7U1SdF0UCBL8DyqN2pyvthq_XnGnKNWXbExMLLHWbMu7hDVsrWVP6PyGxmOnqMfci5Ip8ZAiXDg_ZJcR80EobhAeLO9OSFy6Nc8YcW-p2OazcPEyW640uJxFglPFyCyNKL8hzWU2FJuJngmYeoPh7h20yvmc/w640-h360/wbs6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Where
West Bank Story excels is in its appearance, The film may be short, but
it's packed with detail, with a large variety of costumes, dances, and
the odd visual flourish. Even if they're not all funny, it's still a
level of effort to be appreciated, and makes this kinda dense in a way
despite the runtime.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
songs are ok, and there are a couple of good dueling harmonies,
although overall pretty basic and derivative. There's also not enough
time for this to really settle as a musical. If you crunch the numbers,
most musical films might have about 20 minutes worth of songs in them
give or take. But that's the overall length here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbHONY4AH5Rew39L-2s0fJshRm_y2Z73SCEWX_gAJboJtw0jGsJrc03y4S7sv4dAEGC0QVUQjB1e-78fZ-ONVoLNoSVK72_qcvNGnG2YXYdeP6sSbENoSMDMzOO5yz2HYoPXnhe81X8DmryE7RLqnmkVfaVxq1u606a3qY1O_Wsxfpc_UvxUh6BjMyRgW/s960/wbs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbHONY4AH5Rew39L-2s0fJshRm_y2Z73SCEWX_gAJboJtw0jGsJrc03y4S7sv4dAEGC0QVUQjB1e-78fZ-ONVoLNoSVK72_qcvNGnG2YXYdeP6sSbENoSMDMzOO5yz2HYoPXnhe81X8DmryE7RLqnmkVfaVxq1u606a3qY1O_Wsxfpc_UvxUh6BjMyRgW/w640-h360/wbs2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And
now let's come to the movie's politics. The fact that
it doesn't hate Palestinians is a good start. It isn't blind to
Israeli aggressions either, and isn't afraid to have characters <i>call</i>
them occupiers, even if the creator himself doesn't necessarily think they
are. At face value, if you know nothing about the
conflict, it easily summarises the divide in a neat 20
minute package, and pokes fun at both sides while showing how if
only they work together, things can be resolved. Now, I'm sure the
creators' hearts are in the right place with making this, buuut I can't
help but be a bit uneasy at how it portrays the situation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1SP3ydNWoR7ncWlXdz5_-lEBS6M-C7PhQ8BAmNN0OJzlATGiBDXgDRj3FNMqHGJK5qMqhtxJ0Rwp1qMW2mDXlCDvCert61GbcIBbpe6yTn0TN9DtHWX4M4NmkMJIIFZ54MdH5hpxYVQElRgxr8wq9FQuXmVVJLYhykB2c-mn6aeoysQ8bMS00s0-5Qak/s960/wbs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1SP3ydNWoR7ncWlXdz5_-lEBS6M-C7PhQ8BAmNN0OJzlATGiBDXgDRj3FNMqHGJK5qMqhtxJ0Rwp1qMW2mDXlCDvCert61GbcIBbpe6yTn0TN9DtHWX4M4NmkMJIIFZ54MdH5hpxYVQElRgxr8wq9FQuXmVVJLYhykB2c-mn6aeoysQ8bMS00s0-5Qak/w640-h360/wbs3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While
I do give a little kudos to Ari Sandel for trying to be a mediator, I can't help think it's a little
naive, when this same story in real life would probably end in one-sided
mass murder. Not to mention the awkwardness of a 'romance' which is
like one between a slave and her master. Or more accurately, it'd be
comparable to The Night Porter! "*swoons* Isn't the coupling of a poor
woman and the man who can switch off her water at any time <i>so</i>
romantic?". It's an uncomfortable power dynamic, and it's galling to ask why
they can't all get along when one party is clearly the aggressor. At
least the movie ends where it does, and we don't get an epilogue of the
Hummus Hut being demolished and the Arab family evicted.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
cast here do an ok job. Their performances are pretty heightened and
goofy already, with the main duo being the most normal. Some handle the
comedy well, while others...ummm, don't. On another note, there are plenty of Israelis involved here. Not so
much on the Arab side, in front or behind the camera. I'm not a big
stickler about that, and I'm not gonna complain if a Bolivian is playing a Chilean, or a Persian
is playing an Indian. But this case is so specific and rooted, and this absence is perhaps
telling. Not saying Arabs can't poke a bit of fun at themselves, and
some may be fine with this film as is, but yeahhh.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0MatmP8S57DayvnfYC7VD5kKB5ZzBYuACY-H56ZisTb6N-lzZueXnQ9ZFQoV4Sdza2GSEY8VqG9pyvi2aOns1GhW_R4RMXn1N8nTeCv4HUewFRyQfeynyvXYflNOvOP7uMryNOLXVu78hJ2OjGofQ3ORzWtP9zjVtJBjcMNxllGrTPbprDBmGEuY0eS-/s960/wbs7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0MatmP8S57DayvnfYC7VD5kKB5ZzBYuACY-H56ZisTb6N-lzZueXnQ9ZFQoV4Sdza2GSEY8VqG9pyvi2aOns1GhW_R4RMXn1N8nTeCv4HUewFRyQfeynyvXYflNOvOP7uMryNOLXVu78hJ2OjGofQ3ORzWtP9zjVtJBjcMNxllGrTPbprDBmGEuY0eS-/w640-h360/wbs7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>If
you're interested in musicals, the Middle East, and political affairs,
West Bank Story is an ok little time-waster. Nothing life-changing or
hilarious, and it certainly won't do anything at the peace table, but it's passable enough if you squint...</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-20849486449693388542023-08-22T22:49:00.000-07:002024-01-06T04:42:02.970-08:00Life on Mars: US (2008-09)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmAg45XNbL17E92XfSAOUwvmPjl4mCR40rZyS6xbKrB91jl470sXFkfsKGXZ2b0b2V29pcdau_mnBoHI0ptVuz9CZjtDmf8xF6e8IdkjLjLpACD_WaYvcowezFs3_J10_zCRhlqGyK_NJt5Bm2VcrNyKQ3dox8d1SsouV83NNYTw5gPBTShCzcPPCfBMw/s735/lom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="552" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmAg45XNbL17E92XfSAOUwvmPjl4mCR40rZyS6xbKrB91jl470sXFkfsKGXZ2b0b2V29pcdau_mnBoHI0ptVuz9CZjtDmf8xF6e8IdkjLjLpACD_WaYvcowezFs3_J10_zCRhlqGyK_NJt5Bm2VcrNyKQ3dox8d1SsouV83NNYTw5gPBTShCzcPPCfBMw/w481-h640/lom.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">It's the perogative of Americans to remake everything they can, even
if it's already in English. Often maddening, this is one of their most
annoying habits, and sure enough they eventually made their own version
of UK genre-bending classic Life on Mars. How does it stack up? Is it
just as bad as you might be afraid of, or could it actually be half-decent?...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sam
Tyler is a by-the-books cop who's on the hunt for a serial killer when
he's hit by a car and wakes up in 1973. He's confused by his setting,
and thinks everything's all a hoax at first, until his new police chief
Gene Hunt beats some 'sense' into him. Keeping quiet until he figures out
what's going on, Sam continues doing what he does best-Police
work, but now in a very different era, where norms are different, and history is being made...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It
was in 2009 when the US remake of Life on Mars aired on Aussie TV. I'd
already seen some of the original, though was more familiar with Ashes
to Ashes. While the original was on the ad-free ABC, the remake had all the saturation commercial tv
can muster, and I temporarily got sick of the song from all the times I
heard it in the ads! I was a little skeptical of the idea, but curious to see
what it was like, and checked it out, seeing the whole series as it
aired, until its cancellation after only one season.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">While
LoM US gets a bad rap from some, I thought it was a pretty good show!
In its own right it handled the concept decently, and the writing is
pretty good throughout. It's your average mid-2000s police procedural,
though with a bit more character to it than the endless letters of CSI,
SVU, and so on.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While
the show does mine the original for material, it isn't bereft of its own stuff, and is at its
strongest when doing its own thing with the premise, in the way an
American show could but the British one couldn't. Such as Sam realising he's in the past when he sees the World Trade Centre
(which manages to totally outclass the changed British skyline of the
original). There's also a more US based civil rights episode, and a gay one done well, like when Ray
is dismissive over 'just another' gay bashing until an angry Gene tells him he's still a cop,
and has a duty no matter what. I also liked the change to one story where the policewoman who's wounded is Gene's younger sister (daughter?). It gave a nice added layer of depth.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although there are times when the changes are for the worse. Case in point, the serial killer
from the first episode. The way the past and present tie together in the
UK version is a dark twist at the end, whereas the US version goes out of
its way to give Sam a few heart-to-heart moments with the young kid to
apparently cure his possible sociopathy and stop him becoming a serial
killer in the future.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of
course, the show is also at its weakest when doing new things. Take for
example the bizarre and anticlimactic severed head storyline, where a plot thread about this world's reality
is explained when a random tall guy with red skin pops up to just say
"Oh yeah, that guy made fun of my height so I chopped off his head" only
like 10 minutes in. It makes no sense, and feels like an editorial mandate to wrap-up this thread before it goes anywhere.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While
predominately serious, LoM has its fair share of comedic moments, some
from the original, many new. One I liked was when Same sees a flash of
someone wearing a Nirvana shirt, and when he points this out Annie
just comments that eastern spiritualism is getting more popular these
days. Then there's the amusing way Sam and others spook a homophobic
criminal about jail.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
characters are fine. Sam Tyler is a good lead, likeable, empathetic, and a
by-the-books cop with a more modern outlook than his new colleagues. While in the past he meets his parents, with his father having a sinister role to play in some cases, as well as an emotional meeting with his mother, who he introduces himself to as "...Luke
Sky...Walker". Dude! You could've just gone with Luke Skye! Or hell,
just say your real name, since it says so on the badge, and go "What a coincidence!".<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gene Hunt is everything you'd expect. A bit of a brutish caveman, with a somewhat loose sense of the law, but with a strong sense of honour. He may not like you, but by god he'll do everything to help you out. The mix of his more old-school and at times thuggish approach contrasts well with Sam's modern perspective, and the two share good chemistry, which is the linchpin of this series.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Annie is a spunky gal, and develops the closest friendship with Sam, leading to a will they-won't they situation. He also gets a stupendously lucky feel of her heartbeat, leading to an amusing comment from her.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>And
the supporting cast are pretty good. Ray get the most coverage, being a typical
1970s bloke. And Chris...uhhh, exists? I know I haven't seen this show
since 2009, but I swear I remember almost every tiny little thing about
it...But I don't remember Chris at all! I'm just gonna assume he's fine.
There's no Phyllis equivalent, while instead of 'Jamaican' bartender
Nelson, Sam has a hippy-dippy neighbour named, three guesses, Willow,
who may know more about this world than she lets on.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One
element missing for LoM US are the easter eggs from 1970s British TV culture, like test card
girls, Jackanory, Camberwick Green, etc. This remake is just plopped in a more
general past, where you know it's the 70s because it's tinted a slight shade
of yellow and every man has a handlebar moustache. While this a shame, I
do get why. British and US media landscapes were very different. There were probably weird little public access products,
programs, and bumpers, but they might only be regional, so a viewer from
Texas might point and go "Oh, I get that!", but literally everyone else
in the US would be baffled. It's been said that unlike England, which
is much smaller and tighter knit, America is too big to know itself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And
now we come to the most controversial aspect of Life on Mars US-The
ending! The UK version ended by design only two short seasons in, with a
powerful ending that let things remain ambiguous, and it's a great note
to end on! The US version though explains away <i>everything</i>! We
find out exactly how Sam Tyler was sent into the past, who Gene Hunt and
co. really are, everything! I was so mad about this when it first aired, as were
many others. Typical bloody Americans, lacking any kind of subtlety,
can't leave a thing unexplained!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">However,
only a couple of years later, something happened which would mellow my
opinion-Ashes to Ashes, the LoM sequel, ended, also definitively
explaining away the nature of Gene's world! In a different, and many
would say better way, but it explains the mystery all the same! So on
those grounds I guess I can't judge LoM US too harshly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What
I can judge though is the execution, and there are a few little
details, good and bad. Starting with the good, the fact that this
cancelled series had the time to actually give us an ending at all is
very much appreciated! No cliffhanger or loose ends! The lead-up is all
great stuff too, from Sam and Annie's romance, to Sam admitting his true
name to his mother, him sticking up for 1973 and its denizens to the
mystery voice on the phone, and his emotion in the last scene with Gene.
All punctuated with the brilliant musical choice of Elton John's Mona
Lisa's and Mad Hatters. No David Bowie, yeah, but that could admittedly
be an obvious choice.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As for the bad, I'm not saying this is a <i>terrible</i>
explanation, but a lot of it is a bit muddled, and may not hold up to
scrutiny. The double twist is mind-boggling, and many smaller
details may make you scratch your head. The final scene with Gene in 1973 is weird,
like we're missing several pages of script. The writers also took the
show's title far too literally! Same for the name Gene Hunt. The reveal
also completely invalidates everything that's come before, in 1973 <i>and</i>
2008. Despite all this though, that final shot of a regular shoe stepping
onto the surface of Mars is a brilliant one, and could even hold a hint
of ambiguity.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
cast here do fine jobs. Jason O'Mara is a good lead, getting across all the personality he needs
to. Harvey Keitel is in a way the true lead, and embodies the character of Gene Hunt perfectly! It's neat seeing a film actor willing to 'slum it' in television, and he does great. Gretchen Mol is gorgeous, with a sense of sweet charm to her, Michael Imperioli has fun and the goofier hairstyling, while I presume Johnathan Murphy does a
fine job. And all of the guest actors do well.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just
like its predecessor, LoM US has a great period soundtrack, full of
classics! The visuals are also spot on too, with some great imagery. The
yellow colour palette may annoy some, but it's possibly not overdone.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall,
Life on Mars US is a pretty good remake, that suffers from a few
American hangups, but it's still a good time for the most part, and a
fair remake! The original is recommended over this of course, but this is worth checking
out if you feel like it, and at pretty much the same episode count as
the British version, plus the allure of an ending that gives definite
closure, it's not a bad investment at all...</div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-80667793478081178552023-08-22T02:02:00.000-07:002023-11-26T02:39:38.456-08:00Kibar Feyzo (1978)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguory3q_IEVxqsFNzYb-tbUca6kFIt-gCry_bc0gw2NZ7VeccA76j7kZ9wQ82Lv9UKnEsSjXezYCXTfac2g448bXNq0445mAvNv8bf2o5qDYpZzMmLqLFvS0UubaofuvW4jZ7Fb_3RrmwyU8mDFLq-kOsJhRahcun820YFMAe1M_GVSfo_7prR2P3U6zCM/s772/kb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="519" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguory3q_IEVxqsFNzYb-tbUca6kFIt-gCry_bc0gw2NZ7VeccA76j7kZ9wQ82Lv9UKnEsSjXezYCXTfac2g448bXNq0445mAvNv8bf2o5qDYpZzMmLqLFvS0UubaofuvW4jZ7Fb_3RrmwyU8mDFLq-kOsJhRahcun820YFMAe1M_GVSfo_7prR2P3U6zCM/w430-h640/kb.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In a rural Turkish village, humble farmer Feyzo is trying to eke out a living, and make enough money to buy the dowry for his beloved Gülo. But the corruption that rules this town makes life impossible, despite his best efforts. Eventually his persistent non-compliance earns him an exile, but this proves to be a big mistake on the landlord's part, because Feyzo is exposed to big city life, and realises how things are supposed to be. Armed with this knowledge, he returns home to bring fairness back to his village, and reclaim his fiancee...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a6VVsmMfBiFiG19aK1b_t7KWZoRHNb8eHAEKNbe0AlcqqZSh-X9LNpXNzAvGclwg4jyoVvrs6W35iJ0WaYnuv6S1t3lX59AbzDHfxU8FyIpRGUXO8f-Z7R0jFXZlP0IM0ywsam8dJIhRC7ocZt47G0phv6q0nBONxH1EVDeaut5tC32xLJ9jg638EDYR/s960/kb1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a6VVsmMfBiFiG19aK1b_t7KWZoRHNb8eHAEKNbe0AlcqqZSh-X9LNpXNzAvGclwg4jyoVvrs6W35iJ0WaYnuv6S1t3lX59AbzDHfxU8FyIpRGUXO8f-Z7R0jFXZlP0IM0ywsam8dJIhRC7ocZt47G0phv6q0nBONxH1EVDeaut5tC32xLJ9jg638EDYR/w640-h360/kb1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kibar Feyzo (Polite Feyzo) is a comedy with a satirical edge to it. Helmed by auteur <span class="style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander" id="snippet-text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">Atıf Yılmaz</span></span></span>, it tells a story of village life in the east of Turkey, where feudalism still rules, thanks to the governance of town landlords (Ağa's), and the corruption that enables them.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The plot revolves around simple villager Feyzo and his efforts to get married, despite all the adversity he faces, thanks to specific people in charge, as well as the accepted rules of this small society in general. Feyzo and his beau Gülo are very much in love, but her dad quite
literally refer to his daughter as property, acting like marrying her off
is a business transaction. And if the suitor doesn't provide enough of a
dowry, he won't sell his property. Hell of a change to the West, where the father pays the dory <i>to</i> the groom!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01yv98OJJh6AYQBA-veozxJc2Uj7TEeowbimgXIXGSCtVnM9NpnRjabWcvmVJk6dU9k9eVOn6JaGDbnQS24UrKIe-p4URxdU-iv9wCzPxO4D0l9M5A0dA-6O31B9Hy2tVA2pA-ER7HpPWD_YaQkrpbkAvgJQW9BNU_U_QA2ok8WfPvuBHDD9o89kTLW6V/s960/kb5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01yv98OJJh6AYQBA-veozxJc2Uj7TEeowbimgXIXGSCtVnM9NpnRjabWcvmVJk6dU9k9eVOn6JaGDbnQS24UrKIe-p4URxdU-iv9wCzPxO4D0l9M5A0dA-6O31B9Hy2tVA2pA-ER7HpPWD_YaQkrpbkAvgJQW9BNU_U_QA2ok8WfPvuBHDD9o89kTLW6V/w640-h360/kb5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All of this might make Turkey of the 1970s seem hopelessly backwards, but the
stark difference between the country and the city is outlined when
Feyzo goes to the big city. He witnesses a wedding, and after asking, both the husband and father openly say the woman is her own person, and marriage is a simple matter of choice. Following this we see an enlightened Feyzo bringing
modernity to his insular village and hoping he won't get killed for permissiveness
and trying to change their set-in-stone ways.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTnabmwtD7fzk4RqCwGZSA31nt8CAjNDU00G5ilpaBK-nb9cpnqjTsRiu241W0qRbONKnO-vZbkutJOZL_zaor3a6cxNa4YBnH1iJt7E_oBLdbEcFZ2079NqrIYbMXYsfaIz3t4tgFJshrYL1L8jyN1oV82-Slr-Aie1c6ZL8prmYq97eTnSH7qoaZ-uu/s960/kb9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTnabmwtD7fzk4RqCwGZSA31nt8CAjNDU00G5ilpaBK-nb9cpnqjTsRiu241W0qRbONKnO-vZbkutJOZL_zaor3a6cxNa4YBnH1iJt7E_oBLdbEcFZ2079NqrIYbMXYsfaIz3t4tgFJshrYL1L8jyN1oV82-Slr-Aie1c6ZL8prmYq97eTnSH7qoaZ-uu/w640-h360/kb9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The social commentary here is quite strong. In the wrong hands it could have come across impenetrable for foreign viewers, [who don't even know what an Ağa is]. But not only is it not difficult to understand, the film is
actually a very helpful introduction to such issues for
newcomers. There are a few lines that act as easter eggs or in-jokes
for Turkish viewers (presumably those over the age of 50 at this
stage!), but as with the best in-jokes, they're the kind you don't even notice
if you don't get them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-72CNZ5LzROxtfuPlI9j4zO1NUuzlGQVm47dlRy9jeS5i1uAcaKmjEsKqW54SLNXf_nO2q9mpwFWcf6xZyXUw_bJEJ8d0NHhz2dGF0rTl2YALjoR9n8doYT7Wq4mvalxs1G16TOvnjU_4oIJwwB4USF513vbsYEtTBVYv8vGyEZ2GCRHAlynYfPeg7er/s960/kb7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-72CNZ5LzROxtfuPlI9j4zO1NUuzlGQVm47dlRy9jeS5i1uAcaKmjEsKqW54SLNXf_nO2q9mpwFWcf6xZyXUw_bJEJ8d0NHhz2dGF0rTl2YALjoR9n8doYT7Wq4mvalxs1G16TOvnjU_4oIJwwB4USF513vbsYEtTBVYv8vGyEZ2GCRHAlynYfPeg7er/w640-h360/kb7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kibar
Feyzo could have already been an effective commentary on Turkish
issues no matter who directed it, but the fact that someone like Atif <span class="style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander" id="snippet-text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">Yılmaz</span></span></span> is behind it really
hits the nail on the head. He tackles his favoured themes of feminism, and sexuality to a degree. The film also has a fun framing story, almost hitting the fourth wall.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The comedy here is entertaining enough. Simple in the best ways, with some well-done jokes, and quick dialogue. Some jokes might make locals laugh more than others, and it is a bit 'lowbrow' in places, but it's fine all round. Some of the more lowbrow moments contain some extremely satisfying punishments for the Ağa!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Feyzo is an endearing lead. A bit of a dope, but he's a goodhearted guy who tries his best. And his mind is clearly open to new ideas, and he's smart enough to know what to do with them too. He makes for a good father too, despite his absences in exile. Although there is one scene where he tries selling his baby that felt a bit much. Like he may be a bit dumb, but he's not heartless! Thankfully everyone in town acts appropriately to this.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvulzsXBnGel26Jh8TGd_zlcXYrJm_aUPsLfivflEckcm5-VumCg6ZErDt_dhXDm1DShYg2Ic5-7enM8tGuMKssZ150Fgy_Qw1qGeadaXCWracSzXJz_GmILKyiBqg4W_vHYJeNogzx5JBB2lkqM5Spa1eRZg9dur-ssBA3F3fPayH3MIdpm6QKoImCU1L/s960/kb2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvulzsXBnGel26Jh8TGd_zlcXYrJm_aUPsLfivflEckcm5-VumCg6ZErDt_dhXDm1DShYg2Ic5-7enM8tGuMKssZ150Fgy_Qw1qGeadaXCWracSzXJz_GmILKyiBqg4W_vHYJeNogzx5JBB2lkqM5Spa1eRZg9dur-ssBA3F3fPayH3MIdpm6QKoImCU1L/w640-h360/kb2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJoMaD5a6ikXzqIwtDBCjC3lns-KtKlGPrh7pAhOH7FN3x0pFZpnZZ2djkASVkMS7kJxF8rbRMELU3Re5USpOqcMzTTVF-_pNQG0uBH58Iytuvd37ETU1jIk2UTJyjdjvnnldPuqrlFgqJ4BFYqC82tGiuDt3WQ4eXPzZuo6W4Jv8VzS3ZmkK5-EgBfka/s960/kb3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJoMaD5a6ikXzqIwtDBCjC3lns-KtKlGPrh7pAhOH7FN3x0pFZpnZZ2djkASVkMS7kJxF8rbRMELU3Re5USpOqcMzTTVF-_pNQG0uBH58Iytuvd37ETU1jIk2UTJyjdjvnnldPuqrlFgqJ4BFYqC82tGiuDt3WQ4eXPzZuo6W4Jv8VzS3ZmkK5-EgBfka/w640-h360/kb3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gülo is a sweet girl, and firmly on Feyzo's side. The
romance in Kibar Feyzo is perhaps the biggest surprise! Given Kemal
Sunal's unconventional appearance, he wouldn't always be paired with more attractive girls (although there are certainly
plenty of exceptions to this rule). But here it's sweet
just how into Feyzo Gülo is! At no point is she anything but totally devoted to him, even if he isn't a hunky
bodybuilder.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Gülo's father is a money-grubbing knobhead, while
her brother meanwhile is a more likeable dope. He goes along with his dad/society's orders, although
he's more willing to get along with Feyzo, and sticks up for him at times. Then there are
the villains. Fellow villager Bilo is Feyzo's rival. Despite him not
having the slightest shot at winning Gülo over, he still tries. But the
main antagonist is village landlord Maho Ağa,</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohBFtP_bxT5lrbFmDtHvS8Gmh3NrQVvrSNAfJcg6ncp0kIRFDf6NNKFKjC6nj6OC1fL8YSd3VqUuvUQideHfTTgOQuzCCuchV4m5XI-H8RUzNU4fhQcqBTBeVjBPTB9-DVpxR_NX010grZJNF4aQN0JJ_VNJUADqw0CcyTXni2R1721sb7WNgZeOEk61s/s960/kb8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohBFtP_bxT5lrbFmDtHvS8Gmh3NrQVvrSNAfJcg6ncp0kIRFDf6NNKFKjC6nj6OC1fL8YSd3VqUuvUQideHfTTgOQuzCCuchV4m5XI-H8RUzNU4fhQcqBTBeVjBPTB9-DVpxR_NX010grZJNF4aQN0JJ_VNJUADqw0CcyTXni2R1721sb7WNgZeOEk61s/w640-h360/kb8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Feyzo's mother is an amusing presence. She tries exerting control, not approving of his marriage solely because of the cost, which she could instead use to buy an ox. She soon comes around though, and despite her henpecking edge, she really rallies behind her son. Although her cockblocking <i>really</i> isn't appreciated! The 'newly'weds are trying to make love. Leave them alone to get busy, and don't intrude!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Events progress very well after Feyzo's return from the city, with new ideas to galvanise the people into action. It's here where I wondered if the film was maybe stretching itself a bit. It seems like things are changing, only for the Ağa to round everybody up and beat into submission again. And so we've gotta sit through things building up again. None of it's bad of course, and with the film only running at a brisk 80 minutes it's never slow or tedious. But I did wonder if things could've come to a head sooner, or this moment been delayed till later.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_eBIPzOBSri2ifyRdF6N4QSluqbemrHhK9GcCFy9JvD-2-lpFNcO9XPvDCntLW8FgjXMSC_w1F5iCDB6ryk0AlQH86M4pNFg4SO0-xSB_UKD7BkTjuWRnXWr5-rzxccKCgi80VUVGUWDkqvW0EzLApzY8LCZ37kznYNSDnysSLCm07Racq-Jpg6kf2eP/s960/kb10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_eBIPzOBSri2ifyRdF6N4QSluqbemrHhK9GcCFy9JvD-2-lpFNcO9XPvDCntLW8FgjXMSC_w1F5iCDB6ryk0AlQH86M4pNFg4SO0-xSB_UKD7BkTjuWRnXWr5-rzxccKCgi80VUVGUWDkqvW0EzLApzY8LCZ37kznYNSDnysSLCm07Racq-Jpg6kf2eP/w640-h360/kb10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The climax is satisfying when it comes, with the Ağa getting a suitable punishment. There is a bit of an abrupt ending, and the film ends on an ambiguous note, although I imagine things will work out fine. They'd bloody better after a whole movie of things not working out the hero's way!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLhg1Pwa7UgTYiyOmAlXZ_ByxX6jLeRYzu1VYERxRKLy_hmp0z8pGSf5EclTarq9ad7dxjUXOjmVnLlZU_p-WZhQpFULKDWG9U5v0LOHHl1yh7w3YcJ3ycQToSJSDRHScDOrhyZ4z36QbJXnWPQcq-Or8qTmGuAqBJNY6sdvrZnaYSPuXTf_iRgqYFw9E/s960/kb6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLhg1Pwa7UgTYiyOmAlXZ_ByxX6jLeRYzu1VYERxRKLy_hmp0z8pGSf5EclTarq9ad7dxjUXOjmVnLlZU_p-WZhQpFULKDWG9U5v0LOHHl1yh7w3YcJ3ycQToSJSDRHScDOrhyZ4z36QbJXnWPQcq-Or8qTmGuAqBJNY6sdvrZnaYSPuXTf_iRgqYFw9E/w640-h360/kb6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast here is a good one! Kemal Sunal is an endearingly silly lead. Müjde Ar is pretty, and gets some cute moments, while Adile Naşit gives an amusingly batty performance. Şener Şen is a great villain, getting across the character's foibles perfectly, while Ilyas Salman has a decent role, though perhaps a bit small to be really good.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The music here is good, with a fun theme and other tracks. The assorted men and women of the village also act as a Greek chorus, singing their thoughts on whatever's going on with Feyzo and his beloved's struggle.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The setting here looks great, shot in a real village with old-school clay huts, and little hovels, as well as large farmlands. The costumes are varied and colourful, bringing a lot of vibrancy to this otherwise sandy yellow village.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUTY8sqcZ6C7fTwFNfjYr1oOVrh-8cRXjouqvXmPrtiold-vdkTviqAcLvAeOl1yyNvrZvhI7AQEg5jqh0MZhmqEceAb0XaBpfylXcoRzxfCot17FsIcKJhix27UguaOaBPmxL7EcLDWQqFV9D8hezygAsgHH7EAiblb2o_uLfybul4ODzEx80IEah2Un/s960/kb11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUTY8sqcZ6C7fTwFNfjYr1oOVrh-8cRXjouqvXmPrtiold-vdkTviqAcLvAeOl1yyNvrZvhI7AQEg5jqh0MZhmqEceAb0XaBpfylXcoRzxfCot17FsIcKJhix27UguaOaBPmxL7EcLDWQqFV9D8hezygAsgHH7EAiblb2o_uLfybul4ODzEx80IEah2Un/w640-h360/kb11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kibar Feyzo is a good film to check out, and shines a light on then-important social issues, and acts as a great historical artifact, as well as a more universal comedy...<br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-46750830317734525892023-08-20T21:53:00.001-07:002023-08-23T01:26:00.470-07:00Tosun Paşa (1976)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhixiusx0nxl0rNDj7AOVyZC16mrjb95eT5cnO9awaYOlX-T0jqKSNh_khN3EBUK5ni1oOcmTxpgkuTZYTKxoJ7aLTmhEQ6tAohLowK4AO5efu0zKhVBwXZhUXpbqthQiHMEOUIMP-LGdruRLehJU2aFE-wO1JXwC5McBbcxrF5e5rqIZL-scvbWLoERQe/s608/tos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhixiusx0nxl0rNDj7AOVyZC16mrjb95eT5cnO9awaYOlX-T0jqKSNh_khN3EBUK5ni1oOcmTxpgkuTZYTKxoJ7aLTmhEQ6tAohLowK4AO5efu0zKhVBwXZhUXpbqthQiHMEOUIMP-LGdruRLehJU2aFE-wO1JXwC5McBbcxrF5e5rqIZL-scvbWLoERQe/s16000/tos.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">In
the occupied deserts of Egypt, two rival Ottoman families are feuding
over who gets the lush Green Valley. They both get it in their heads to
ask for the local magistrate's daughter Leyla's hand in marriage, but after a
head injury, and a brainwave, the <span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">Tellioğulları</span></span> family decides to make their clumsy
butler Ş<span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">aban</span></span> pose as Tosun Pasha, a revered figure in the military. Will their plan succeed, or will something go wrong? Or <i>how</i>?...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWCV4D8hDaE9h1cc99TqApyF2K-zDezjVHxFewemfDOnpLy75Ic4oeOufc_NouDNI5V-pW7cHdlhycQWPIJqMZ0JzHrmtVnDBYQF97roOZrC88d2M2bCxzsN3_1YxwCMDMKTfa-EkZJk6BYVXkrdkIxP85cnG3Dodm0XuUI4Po0LpzpTg6VcIIyOImbIH/s960/tos7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWCV4D8hDaE9h1cc99TqApyF2K-zDezjVHxFewemfDOnpLy75Ic4oeOufc_NouDNI5V-pW7cHdlhycQWPIJqMZ0JzHrmtVnDBYQF97roOZrC88d2M2bCxzsN3_1YxwCMDMKTfa-EkZJk6BYVXkrdkIxP85cnG3Dodm0XuUI4Po0LpzpTg6VcIIyOImbIH/w640-h360/tos7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzt6BV83to6rKe2Mcu1EpJHOIvZwsBJl-Cty1-uqjCZf_OHoNZ2mhnNmswfZYxlre2gaDr09qpQG6GFmaoAN9kdvvSq6oOKmWz8rRxgRHrhlu7oGmg_3Jbemy8zXflf2e509iJiGThqYJzcdle2FGU99ra_kQNbAo_bU8KNcOMOsmhQJAdVEcrdgB1g5H/s960/tos14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzt6BV83to6rKe2Mcu1EpJHOIvZwsBJl-Cty1-uqjCZf_OHoNZ2mhnNmswfZYxlre2gaDr09qpQG6GFmaoAN9kdvvSq6oOKmWz8rRxgRHrhlu7oGmg_3Jbemy8zXflf2e509iJiGThqYJzcdle2FGU99ra_kQNbAo_bU8KNcOMOsmhQJAdVEcrdgB1g5H/w640-h360/tos14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tosun Paşa is an entertaining Turkish comedy. In a way it's part of a loose trilogy, along with Süt Kardeşler and Şaban Oğlu Şaban.
While none are connected, all three share the running theme of
military and Ottoman life. One is about the navy, one the army, and this
focuses on the Colonial side of the empire.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film is a very funny portrayal of the local history. The comedy is pretty universal. There are misunderstandings, slapstick, and over-the-top characters, and it's all a hoot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The story is simple but effective, and pretty much an excuse to let the various gags and situations play out.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4evX4fKG1cG1o_PV424snEtd_SMDSx3CoW-9kOOCerC0T4045dVEtrumuM0Xby6YXl9ttHCSF0bJzXQLaZMbOpx-zflBR3d4z7M2rDpohIZMpgQhaSUW3iZj-tNf1SZXooZkiRKLmo0ZbxswU86z923TPnYn8y1ucUmAmSVXuycU7ziDBoBx2pdknTbg/s960/tos2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4evX4fKG1cG1o_PV424snEtd_SMDSx3CoW-9kOOCerC0T4045dVEtrumuM0Xby6YXl9ttHCSF0bJzXQLaZMbOpx-zflBR3d4z7M2rDpohIZMpgQhaSUW3iZj-tNf1SZXooZkiRKLmo0ZbxswU86z923TPnYn8y1ucUmAmSVXuycU7ziDBoBx2pdknTbg/w640-h360/tos2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1boMijdcRlt24jiw5tV7jCsXNY-QpLfXvJuX5zL-BAZwtfup2395WbhYQc7es0IesZlZLoESNTLJbT6KcovSOJKGWVzQSP-rYwJC45JSUIP2fgvsC5TWYJ7EtY2HNE6Y151kvzbbFgaUqwN-pCDC5CR7XvHrbkeUwafUDDcN4KrD36NosKQAJNiod2VWK/s960/tos4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1boMijdcRlt24jiw5tV7jCsXNY-QpLfXvJuX5zL-BAZwtfup2395WbhYQc7es0IesZlZLoESNTLJbT6KcovSOJKGWVzQSP-rYwJC45JSUIP2fgvsC5TWYJ7EtY2HNE6Y151kvzbbFgaUqwN-pCDC5CR7XvHrbkeUwafUDDcN4KrD36NosKQAJNiod2VWK/w640-h360/tos4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I
imagine the relation to the setting and the plot is no mistake either. I'm not sure when exactly this is
supposed to be set, but if it's anywhere near the late 1880s, early
1900s, this whole conflict is immaterial anyway! These families are fighting
so hard to get territory that's gonna be gone in only a few years time
anyway when the Ottoman empire crumbles, and the Arabs take back
control.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film does a great job showing off Turkish culture, from their little habits and customs, to their various 'carnival' games, and of course
hamams and Turkish oil wrestling! It's here where the film becomes
incredibly homoerotic. I understand cultural differences, and in many ways the
Turks (and Europeans in general) have a much healthier definition of masculinity
than westerners. On the other hand they had to have known how it looks, and
been playing it up for laughs!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIAahV_0tje-JU3VZcZd7ovddWCX5R2O-c8UE7bvbJ6RKSPpewfI9X3oD9iyHdAUyfOZYLY-MmQ8MUlrFdjgOSnCl_sNw-qhgMD0vGrFGsD5mDEAmugQ2wkXp9y92ajGj5hCqzsX0Eoekx-8qkvUdvYT5vD8mqQs5ZsDcvkoxp3vLuI_kYm1ePtFhgeU9/s960/tos10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIAahV_0tje-JU3VZcZd7ovddWCX5R2O-c8UE7bvbJ6RKSPpewfI9X3oD9iyHdAUyfOZYLY-MmQ8MUlrFdjgOSnCl_sNw-qhgMD0vGrFGsD5mDEAmugQ2wkXp9y92ajGj5hCqzsX0Eoekx-8qkvUdvYT5vD8mqQs5ZsDcvkoxp3vLuI_kYm1ePtFhgeU9/w640-h360/tos10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The characters are a kooky and kinda unlikeable bunch, but in a harmless and funny way. The two families are <span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">Tellioğulları and</span></span> <span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">Seferoğullarına,
and no I'm not typing those in full again! The Tellio's are the
leads, and are determined to get the land they see as rightfully theirs. After a Sefer-induced head injury results in their
patriarch thinking their rivals are the bees knees, and butler </span></span>Ş<span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">aban is his father. One thing leads to another and they find themselves posing him
as a high official and war hero. Sure enough, the power immediately goes to </span></span>Ş<span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">aban's head, and he begins scheming for himself.<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffTbH5n6ROOKuisyFVmLJHG9OD78QPWadFR4WeX-4YdEU0iapOpCtDS4VvIbXCBHQpmIWwPdqaoNATpuVX47uoaVw0srykj5269JM0SlpKcSbvXSTbxGl9XO_D1bXCBl3Zozdfexg89MFI4-ueuM3Js-e61zIK6YZuMha0Pg0ukG98zAsNoFvTV2QsNAm/s960/tos5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffTbH5n6ROOKuisyFVmLJHG9OD78QPWadFR4WeX-4YdEU0iapOpCtDS4VvIbXCBHQpmIWwPdqaoNATpuVX47uoaVw0srykj5269JM0SlpKcSbvXSTbxGl9XO_D1bXCBl3Zozdfexg89MFI4-ueuM3Js-e61zIK6YZuMha0Pg0ukG98zAsNoFvTV2QsNAm/w640-h360/tos5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4zP9VpTvySU96d4gQ7hihRqTG0EI9swQiajxg3wVjvgBpvWP0tFHR0nxmlgPF6p0IN27QYOu57ZQkoAdpRSzagSSkYUTIak6_NBQKIAkbrmzc197MuMoi8_fVkyLuLLMC0xxEPbZWFmOvAkv2dTBpWHw1vPAum8pPQ_10osnfq7cGu3Vg8l88SmKd93q/s960/tos6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4zP9VpTvySU96d4gQ7hihRqTG0EI9swQiajxg3wVjvgBpvWP0tFHR0nxmlgPF6p0IN27QYOu57ZQkoAdpRSzagSSkYUTIak6_NBQKIAkbrmzc197MuMoi8_fVkyLuLLMC0xxEPbZWFmOvAkv2dTBpWHw1vPAum8pPQ_10osnfq7cGu3Vg8l88SmKd93q/w640-h360/tos6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If
I had to pick a complaint though, it's that we don't really get much
from the Sefer family. None are really characterised, nor do they get a
lot of screentime. They're basically all the same.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Local mayor Daver
Bey is a levelheaded, if slightly oblivious guy. He's fairly wise to the antics of these feuding families, but taken in like a dope by the fake Pasha. Then there's his daughter Leyla, who's a bit of a fickle girl, really! None of the men in
this film really love her for her, only for what she can provide them.
While she has a thing for a handsome young Sefer man, yet doesn't hesitate to cuddle up with what she
thinks is Tosun Pasha, or the real one!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GAMqG_NJxhdL6MKb0KflJe3wsnf-p4U6T8ICZcNBu8oyBrT5L0FkM2msLury0muSqErzxUvi87wQKXagf8zqu3UpPagUKmQdUADc9p0mvErpvEvvLYTYTLg1HSh063-8rLclPgO5x7Zdq7p8d2KWdQWk0AL3PBNlX4q1lJH-AKX_4hSG_o7i3DjdU_0Z/s960/tos9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GAMqG_NJxhdL6MKb0KflJe3wsnf-p4U6T8ICZcNBu8oyBrT5L0FkM2msLury0muSqErzxUvi87wQKXagf8zqu3UpPagUKmQdUADc9p0mvErpvEvvLYTYTLg1HSh063-8rLclPgO5x7Zdq7p8d2KWdQWk0AL3PBNlX4q1lJH-AKX_4hSG_o7i3DjdU_0Z/w640-h360/tos9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The real Tosun Pasha eventually shows up in the last act, biding his time under an alias to see what exactly's going on, and who's behind it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This
all culminates in a great free-for-all climax, with a big brawl. It
does re-use a few jokes a touch, but is still funny, and there's plenty
of great stuff. Like how the real Tosun Pasha notices Leyla and is
instantly attracted, and they casually have a conversation while there's chaos
around them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrX-I94OHSBO7gwd8x-ESb3zIXS0S9AhiQjqOwaeTmOWj4TdsBVQFYim5XERLyGqQdl8i7NYh3TvFFoKwfJZt_iH4CYwTHMNTUUFj3llCAbD7-l69vl2OzA9YNtIO4wiF1W1RUlDtlMzHUFMJXvObYcfI8Bca9rAeaGJ8zYNdvW_QU9hrxUCO5NtwY47T/s960/tos11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrX-I94OHSBO7gwd8x-ESb3zIXS0S9AhiQjqOwaeTmOWj4TdsBVQFYim5XERLyGqQdl8i7NYh3TvFFoKwfJZt_iH4CYwTHMNTUUFj3llCAbD7-l69vl2OzA9YNtIO4wiF1W1RUlDtlMzHUFMJXvObYcfI8Bca9rAeaGJ8zYNdvW_QU9hrxUCO5NtwY47T/w640-h360/tos11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
ending sees everyone getting their just desserts. Leyla has ended
up with her best option, and the Green Valley is in good hands. And you can guess whose hands that's not...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQicXIHWUj-WvcqlJjrzmY9RlMAWUmHzDcAxaGprE82zbaRKwfLLYhDSgHGvUhNajspxzdtPxQM5Ms-SCh6QCvoR4P3oc9fatcCC8B-Jcx89gHUevNdXvKpyrm6r2OCV7KSXbnZjuSsNskG2zhFgiJKcWc0YxB5r7dGTpVDqp0UQBpb0MMq86gci1me5x/s960/tos8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQicXIHWUj-WvcqlJjrzmY9RlMAWUmHzDcAxaGprE82zbaRKwfLLYhDSgHGvUhNajspxzdtPxQM5Ms-SCh6QCvoR4P3oc9fatcCC8B-Jcx89gHUevNdXvKpyrm6r2OCV7KSXbnZjuSsNskG2zhFgiJKcWc0YxB5r7dGTpVDqp0UQBpb0MMq86gci1me5x/w640-h360/tos8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
cast here is a high point. Kemal Sunal is a fun goofy lead, while Şener Şen is his usual
shouty and grumpy self, rotating through various emotions, from fury, to
desperation, and more. Some other Turkish regulars are here, like Adile Naşit
and Ayşen Gruda, fun as usual. And Müjde Ar is gorgeous! The remainder of the cast is a good
one, with some distinct looks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5T9XPycKJgHjyV7S5X_tVA12ES6UIkTFITOdDuov0i68Ze-e1PZNqo6BC0rL0mBQFg938YDimcr0cQIq8XwQNieqEUXa4h7J2xMG-pmu4h8y1nDQNT17AeXJti1z3QdBw4f0neiJQJ47OFlriNOpvD5tR9sFusHSjmxLsUBAlKCqbngyqkqfVaFG7jCJ/s960/tos3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5T9XPycKJgHjyV7S5X_tVA12ES6UIkTFITOdDuov0i68Ze-e1PZNqo6BC0rL0mBQFg938YDimcr0cQIq8XwQNieqEUXa4h7J2xMG-pmu4h8y1nDQNT17AeXJti1z3QdBw4f0neiJQJ47OFlriNOpvD5tR9sFusHSjmxLsUBAlKCqbngyqkqfVaFG7jCJ/w640-h360/tos3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If
there is one oddity it's the complete lack of any Arabs (or at least, Turks playing Arabs). This is supposed to be Egypt, yet there
are no Egyptians anywhere to be found, not as retainers, nor plotting sedition
in the background. This is understandable since that's not what the
movie's about, but it is odd for them to not even be here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj--MwIBtDQepTJiGxdia6GeOTxFy_dh0W0UENUBicRy8zegCYC3E65RKJPvxK3x5splsjTim_7TwxJ3MMx0czDIO_ZXOmHJhxTiiizIq9bqGmGA5yOnE6KVGFtMWatNNVb0vKaqBfNRyOcnqejmZJmkAoLC7rV5eQv5l4QqO3zTdtDocMXlxx-pe59dIVm/s960/tos13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj--MwIBtDQepTJiGxdia6GeOTxFy_dh0W0UENUBicRy8zegCYC3E65RKJPvxK3x5splsjTim_7TwxJ3MMx0czDIO_ZXOmHJhxTiiizIq9bqGmGA5yOnE6KVGFtMWatNNVb0vKaqBfNRyOcnqejmZJmkAoLC7rV5eQv5l4QqO3zTdtDocMXlxx-pe59dIVm/w640-h360/tos13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">The
film looks very good, with countless gorgeous costumes for the ladies,
and snazzy suit and fez combos for the guys (so many fezes! A sea of
them!), not to mention the tassles. The locations<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">a sense of DIY grandeur, which fits with the theme of the Turks just plopping themselves down in the middle of a desert, setting up a few stands, and calling it home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The
direction overall is really good, and the mixing of the dessert with these
colourful costumes works really well. Regular actor Kartal Tibet is behind the
camera, and proves his worth beyond acting once again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oBIxPfEwY02QJsnbnOSOZMymj-6B_GXFoaOl5MYrnPFz9yWKht01u4ncK3xHUaRZjB7x0hPIxKt1qKKRBcqMRE_XNTVfMZm3ihOUY2SO1ms55spHFf6BH2AX-77_G1TBGWfcgk3tFQdVdrKiKTECzH_XanLDrkqBszl1eC6G_iyi0BiTEpqX-9vUEkxN/s960/tos12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oBIxPfEwY02QJsnbnOSOZMymj-6B_GXFoaOl5MYrnPFz9yWKht01u4ncK3xHUaRZjB7x0hPIxKt1qKKRBcqMRE_XNTVfMZm3ihOUY2SO1ms55spHFf6BH2AX-77_G1TBGWfcgk3tFQdVdrKiKTECzH_XanLDrkqBszl1eC6G_iyi0BiTEpqX-9vUEkxN/w640-h360/tos12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tosun Paşa is another Turkish comedy classic, and a fun time! Ideally it should be
watched with English subs if they can be found, but even if you can't,
as long as you're developing an interest you'll get the gist ok. It's funny regardless...<br /></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-24359637227362110892023-08-14T19:55:00.000-07:002024-01-05T22:52:07.873-08:00Scream and Scream Again (1970)<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjg0_JY1PaSXoSnUclkDLvABWrtJ0OPQ_ygVfjYrUDHdD3nUk-wmDwDWRQPNaBUltNLk6DYn_dtJhJoEFaAkejG0P_g2y1rQJu0LIN_CxQJpumydoqhaF8cDLNV8FEz9pihcpEtj3idLyA1PrspdpkT9tXL0S9WrMJSQa69k98G0nhVsDzao3xjiGrEiv/s768/scr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjg0_JY1PaSXoSnUclkDLvABWrtJ0OPQ_ygVfjYrUDHdD3nUk-wmDwDWRQPNaBUltNLk6DYn_dtJhJoEFaAkejG0P_g2y1rQJu0LIN_CxQJpumydoqhaF8cDLNV8FEz9pihcpEtj3idLyA1PrspdpkT9tXL0S9WrMJSQa69k98G0nhVsDzao3xjiGrEiv/w427-h640/scr.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">...Uhhhh...Ummm...I'm gonna give this my best shot. A jogger suddenly collapses and wakes up in a strange hospital, missing an arm! He screams and passes out, then later wakes up to find another limb missing. Elsewhere, a vampiric serial killer is on the loose, and the police try to catch him. Meanwhile, skulduggery is afoot in a totalitarian Eastern European nation, and a mad scientist in the countryside is conducting his own experiments. What strange horrors are these, and how does it connect all these events?...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczCRrQ3fGzTNJtVSuJw3ldJ5xPnodvHGlO2hs21jcwVlAojvfrtdd-FJ3GO9L2XPPHGOVjp33f6M_T2-LqFDxoH71IRlpxbPUHnHsUgp9QQrOXlOB0Kw9eNm589FzgaxZPEhRykm5vljwvLh5pzV6kLrHaSsi7JptC1rChKFc1gQOeTiflY4jHWwoz7Ue/s960/scr3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczCRrQ3fGzTNJtVSuJw3ldJ5xPnodvHGlO2hs21jcwVlAojvfrtdd-FJ3GO9L2XPPHGOVjp33f6M_T2-LqFDxoH71IRlpxbPUHnHsUgp9QQrOXlOB0Kw9eNm589FzgaxZPEhRykm5vljwvLh5pzV6kLrHaSsi7JptC1rChKFc1gQOeTiflY4jHWwoz7Ue/w640-h360/scr3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Xv6EVGTWUdkWEhzVd5uqc4hIDs3K9Yvcz4OYvwEDfYPpeggBnocqTIZhZ0R9_VIxlq49R6Zmgm5vsMUktf799Rl8ysdujOGhgYGXCwBBh5xXOEXVcl5BcUac_cOCTbcrUVQjcRXv5SNJruyElpuJNe_aJyoqtSD11K8mURN2i5T2h7WUAQm3SBurJipo/s960/scr1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Xv6EVGTWUdkWEhzVd5uqc4hIDs3K9Yvcz4OYvwEDfYPpeggBnocqTIZhZ0R9_VIxlq49R6Zmgm5vsMUktf799Rl8ysdujOGhgYGXCwBBh5xXOEXVcl5BcUac_cOCTbcrUVQjcRXv5SNJruyElpuJNe_aJyoqtSD11K8mURN2i5T2h7WUAQm3SBurJipo/w640-h360/scr1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Scream and Scream Again is a pretty notorious picture. It's not that it's a <i>bad</i> film exactly, but it stands as one of the most confounding ever put to screen! There are at least 3 plots going on, possibly 5 depending on how you count them. Each could probably get their own movie. It's mystifying trying to watch and figure out <i>if</i> they'll come together, let alone how. The plots don't connect until an hour in, and even then it's pretty light on details. We only have all the facts in the case by the very end, and how good of a job it does explaining depends.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8iMTz8-43r1Ammr8FsO0xAMxxrZl7uTUjoy28YIpuFa0grOj3KfJjyZoPZBxUpwBulSQ2CpOrMflsytF2fHhvdMe2BFDcksM0rx9b2sj3qx8QunPMpa43jNCSm2IiHf4uVti7AXY12qzJH19oC_ZMv4yIN4L8pE71CiX_1Ag-4AZppwwZhr2FQABYq2R/s960/scr9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8iMTz8-43r1Ammr8FsO0xAMxxrZl7uTUjoy28YIpuFa0grOj3KfJjyZoPZBxUpwBulSQ2CpOrMflsytF2fHhvdMe2BFDcksM0rx9b2sj3qx8QunPMpa43jNCSm2IiHf4uVti7AXY12qzJH19oC_ZMv4yIN4L8pE71CiX_1Ag-4AZppwwZhr2FQABYq2R/w640-h360/scr9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a shame, because the story and themes here are actually pretty interesting! It's a Frankenstein type story set amidst the backdrop of the Cold War, with a 1984 style country. A unique mix of old and new, and they could produce many interesting ideas. Unfortunately Scream and Scream Again is so crowded it never really gets the chance to go anywhere, and the audience is too confused to really enjoy themselves. It's rare that a film works when you only know what's going on in the last 5 minutes. Although this does reward rewatches. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbYzQ7gV6Fki6mbd9M90X4VORx1MHv7uyHKUXC7F8_X0cdECGxoffDIfD5TN1v3dZEYhfXaW5jGPvBEryGJNsWIVr02WVvuFc5r2CL_ZLOY4Pf5Ax_r3pmgFB64nVGt4A4tlF6VgWgCdtW5rYGkftPf_LmsDB_Ka9m_7QfptUqJ0LpoQ4i80gQM0Q_1YW/s960/scr10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbYzQ7gV6Fki6mbd9M90X4VORx1MHv7uyHKUXC7F8_X0cdECGxoffDIfD5TN1v3dZEYhfXaW5jGPvBEryGJNsWIVr02WVvuFc5r2CL_ZLOY4Pf5Ax_r3pmgFB64nVGt4A4tlF6VgWgCdtW5rYGkftPf_LmsDB_Ka9m_7QfptUqJ0LpoQ4i80gQM0Q_1YW/w640-h360/scr10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With all this promise, I do wonder if the plots to Scream and Scream Again could've ever made a cohesive movie, if only it was written better. I'd say No, since the best fix would be to trim at least one story, but maybe if you were talented it could work. But the solution I hit upon was this. The film is a co-production with Amicus, who were most known for their catalogue of anthologies! Imagine Scream Again and its myriad plots not as one single story, but several different ones. Set in the same world, building on each-other perhaps, but each with their own beginning middle and end.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyYEbnvFY9-oJg4ZjVEHBtzL1aGCtb_XlTzwiBO7tMFGKpmzCK2STSUBcXZqgn6dugBMqSvl54am-w_9qy-TXIvtwOUfOVozG-OllIpQ45nIfU6bvbGOxNTJ_i2wkTj0wo0XBQwERhD8jEOSeKqR6BLPRdwDabjgKTTfggW8-WQ49cOCvdArWHlQXGRRm/s960/scr6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyYEbnvFY9-oJg4ZjVEHBtzL1aGCtb_XlTzwiBO7tMFGKpmzCK2STSUBcXZqgn6dugBMqSvl54am-w_9qy-TXIvtwOUfOVozG-OllIpQ45nIfU6bvbGOxNTJ_i2wkTj0wo0XBQwERhD8jEOSeKqR6BLPRdwDabjgKTTfggW8-WQ49cOCvdArWHlQXGRRm/w640-h360/scr6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04VkmUKH6XPGfWAZDRWoTJhj0lRZwQVEwzOvpzJLZ--ESAllAIusX740pSxFc9hCVTrlcbNGBH0bDmZLZshorOaXDBYTD9Hw7nxVpMkNccJ8miFmCOXnOUyVfKTLMRklfbBm-hOJQVmHWpCUee46uD4m2CpJBnvfUvU3K4Ai-8ypLdxl1PJhsskSGLcYh/s960/scr7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04VkmUKH6XPGfWAZDRWoTJhj0lRZwQVEwzOvpzJLZ--ESAllAIusX740pSxFc9hCVTrlcbNGBH0bDmZLZshorOaXDBYTD9Hw7nxVpMkNccJ8miFmCOXnOUyVfKTLMRklfbBm-hOJQVmHWpCUee46uD4m2CpJBnvfUvU3K4Ai-8ypLdxl1PJhsskSGLcYh/w640-h360/scr7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Scream Again is slightly genre-bending. More thriller, with a hint of sci-fi, but with definite horror elements. Particularly the jogger's fate, which must be the stuff of nightmares. The whole serial killer chase feels more like a police show, but with a spooky twist. It's this sequence that really tests your patience, as it manages to last a full 17 minutes! First they chase him by car, then on foot, before finally cuffing him...until he finds a novel way of escape, and the chase <i>restarts</i>! It drags on even longer, before finally coming to an end when the killer runs into a seemingly random barn, where there just happens to be an acid pit in. He decides he would rather die than be killed, and presto!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYzgqBno3lBKUFqFlKFoMRW7d2UBrr0f2gHx58b0UDPAcgYxnQzJ8L5bwizKvKq48PVcOxS08RcHj0Tauli5XMNMZTwyNNOArJnBCgYRJKWFTNr3FTFtctbYaaeGJmtkf70_NiCmvczNawTsyKOTDUbbNG_OBRpo0CS6kWgMkUuq-x-PfMOeVBiXTCqIx/s960/scr8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYzgqBno3lBKUFqFlKFoMRW7d2UBrr0f2gHx58b0UDPAcgYxnQzJ8L5bwizKvKq48PVcOxS08RcHj0Tauli5XMNMZTwyNNOArJnBCgYRJKWFTNr3FTFtctbYaaeGJmtkf70_NiCmvczNawTsyKOTDUbbNG_OBRpo0CS6kWgMkUuq-x-PfMOeVBiXTCqIx/w640-h360/scr8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The main hero is ostensibly Superintendent Bellaver, and he's an alright bloke. Although I question his wisdom in placing a piece of vital police evidence in a glass case in an unlocked conservatory! He's randomly killed with half an hour still to go, which feels like a pointless and unsatisfying fate. This leaves us with only one lasting hero-Young doctor David. He's tolerable, but not great, and he's completely unqualified to fight these villains.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Who the villains are here is unclear for the most part. We know they exist? The one with the most scrreentime is mad scientist Dr. Browning, as played by Vincent Price. When David shows up at his base at the end, Browning is affable, and genuinely excited to show him what's going on, scrubbing up =. Browning's plan is a bit out there, and doesn't make a lot of sense, in a few ways, but it's still neat to hear. And he has some pretty insightful dialogue in places.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92A7PsMlFn4Av3AfA97U5RwqsDXKO0xSUYZqJzOdfKB86HcQbZK5SZ_RX_diMTCUb8z-c0QY7LoAriFYDucb8eKKOQqDqDSuYNiJgGPx82hCTSSLiMrmdLJqjCvqTgK3COa8sujD3P9mDLKDuJr44co1pADSSfPnCnDmYfuPL3x5ZjM3JFGOoQAO4WZWH/s960/scr13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92A7PsMlFn4Av3AfA97U5RwqsDXKO0xSUYZqJzOdfKB86HcQbZK5SZ_RX_diMTCUb8z-c0QY7LoAriFYDucb8eKKOQqDqDSuYNiJgGPx82hCTSSLiMrmdLJqjCvqTgK3COa8sujD3P9mDLKDuJr44co1pADSSfPnCnDmYfuPL3x5ZjM3JFGOoQAO4WZWH/w640-h360/scr13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was a little confused though by the end, was Browning evil or wasn't he? On one hand he <i>is</i> a mad scientist, but then he seems genuinely concerned at Konratz's behaviour, and what it means for others of his kind. Although I'm not sure how the vampire killer fits into all that. And if he doesn't consider himself evil, why is he dismembering joggers? It's not even clear who exactly is doing that, as if those scenes were filmed separately.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Christopher Lee's character is one of the least interesting, precisely because we see so little and know less about him. He's just some government guy. Whether he's good or not is up for debate. I guess he is? His line at the end is ambiguous, but erring on the side of nice.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ9vdsdsU5Qg0rZNBSK8JaDbH2X-gOzZ290aLcQPSdKw7xsCwpvK_UAUtQ66JukNHo-pMRSMhK9Rf-lKQuf4qG5ICKbQkkpHvZaj6fNq17sCjBkXDnqYhZeDYn_GrvR28K7X3zft2iZMiaRN9yVV9NgqgfiWfdJjHHqwSIVt6tMIMx_NrJ526DHuih_c0/s960/scr4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ9vdsdsU5Qg0rZNBSK8JaDbH2X-gOzZ290aLcQPSdKw7xsCwpvK_UAUtQ66JukNHo-pMRSMhK9Rf-lKQuf4qG5ICKbQkkpHvZaj6fNq17sCjBkXDnqYhZeDYn_GrvR28K7X3zft2iZMiaRN9yVV9NgqgfiWfdJjHHqwSIVt6tMIMx_NrJ526DHuih_c0/w640-h360/scr4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The vampiric serial killer has little character. He's a creepy 'charmer with the ladies, and he slurps blood out of his victims like out of a milkshake straw. The second he's rumbled by the police, he basically becomes a vehicle for action, till his eventual death. I'm surprised a man so intent on self preservation would be so quick to suicide!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKO8RHWuzdjGEqJ43Wa77z3M_6rcDw2QHzryi-swP0nP71eAVsOGVsvyWTaYXyG26br6lsWQrD2xDwINAazOKnNN7ZPvNz2gjCBNTaGZA5Y-U7iq5eBu3fvNtd_SZzTer8LSS_-RMMILTscAbU70hNkJnA1QQXGKLlspJ9fgfz95yn7gflDn11vZv6ZDcD/s960/scr5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKO8RHWuzdjGEqJ43Wa77z3M_6rcDw2QHzryi-swP0nP71eAVsOGVsvyWTaYXyG26br6lsWQrD2xDwINAazOKnNN7ZPvNz2gjCBNTaGZA5Y-U7iq5eBu3fvNtd_SZzTer8LSS_-RMMILTscAbU70hNkJnA1QQXGKLlspJ9fgfz95yn7gflDn11vZv6ZDcD/w640-h360/scr5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there's the film's other villain, state assassin Konrad. He kills his victims with neck pinches, and is somehow able to just wander into these high security places and kill major figures with no trouble. He also gets the film's defining line-"You
won't understand and I won't explain.". His role in events is confusing, and I didn't understand why he wanted all the evidence of the vampire murders. Nor why he's asking Christopher Lee's character, considering certain revelations.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The climax is ok, with its fair share of ghoulish moments, and a return of acid pit shenanigans. The young 'hero' though proves to be utterly useless, getting knocked out twice in the same scene, and the day is only saved by internal squabbling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89f7BbycsXTg0B2iBZlKS8tFkzv0jVfatbC_-H5CCF2cEY5iqqjXUAJJXPaZluu7S__ABlT8KcjhdbcfJ_UbdSvlBDYVd1X66hUwoUmmXngglnso-ssT9c-vtgwqHCQPf8zuPsQNleQasB62Qhld8pY85wE9E2KFLNWMh247xsqZ05QsTq_SbLgTNLocj/s960/scr11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89f7BbycsXTg0B2iBZlKS8tFkzv0jVfatbC_-H5CCF2cEY5iqqjXUAJJXPaZluu7S__ABlT8KcjhdbcfJ_UbdSvlBDYVd1X66hUwoUmmXngglnso-ssT9c-vtgwqHCQPf8zuPsQNleQasB62Qhld8pY85wE9E2KFLNWMh247xsqZ05QsTq_SbLgTNLocj/w640-h360/scr11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhyECFfIw9FQ8eFpAqu-kLNS6J9AsGwatUrS8H9J8kKBQ3l7yBUs3QsT_PtQ8vXTsepwQ_RMJDmdZE0P0yb1heqwbgImOWTy_PI-piSIZvniWoeDPrWM7BtkvMdiwBgWxdRZv4RrItQhVib_DxCpPeZINTQqvlplctAzAxjrMwHxcilJh9u0k2KLT3H-N/s960/scr12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhyECFfIw9FQ8eFpAqu-kLNS6J9AsGwatUrS8H9J8kKBQ3l7yBUs3QsT_PtQ8vXTsepwQ_RMJDmdZE0P0yb1heqwbgImOWTy_PI-piSIZvniWoeDPrWM7BtkvMdiwBgWxdRZv4RrItQhVib_DxCpPeZINTQqvlplctAzAxjrMwHxcilJh9u0k2KLT3H-N/w640-h360/scr12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast here is a great one! Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, <i>and</i> Peter Cushing? All in one film? Yes! Together? Sadly no. They rarely if ever share the screen, and their collective screentime is barely over 15 minutes. Cushing only has the one 3 minute scene early on, while Lee gets a little more, and Price has the more substantial role. He's still sporadic and underused, but he's enough of a presence to justify putting his name prominently on the poster. Despite all three getting top billing, the real stars are Alfred Marks and Christopher Matthews, who do well (with the latter getting an odd moment where he's dubbed to say Garbage when he clearly said Crap). The rest of the cast includes Marshall Jones as the assassin, Michael Gothard as the serial killer, and a cameoing Peter Sallis!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The music here is pretty standard stuff, feeling at times like a 70s police show. There are also some songs courtesy of band Amen Corner, such as the title track. The chorus is pretty boppy, and it is fun when movies include songs that sing the title! But every other part of this one made me want to block out my ears.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2zJABg3LJybq3dm4U4KJMY5zghtJ9dbT27O1RrfsX6DWymtAYAzN2O60uuxNklvjTB2FtNL2BJcdxstncYGaFBp2VjLY2AYygJGnP6Sn-pPabP_kxMXcsEdCEN4GNkJrC35F8F7Dks7nyCUG8YMCkMwhkR6pkrKAMYGvfIBWmNNsYedmlC9KMuxrB4_-/s960/scr2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2zJABg3LJybq3dm4U4KJMY5zghtJ9dbT27O1RrfsX6DWymtAYAzN2O60uuxNklvjTB2FtNL2BJcdxstncYGaFBp2VjLY2AYygJGnP6Sn-pPabP_kxMXcsEdCEN4GNkJrC35F8F7Dks7nyCUG8YMCkMwhkR6pkrKAMYGvfIBWmNNsYedmlC9KMuxrB4_-/w640-h360/scr2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The effects are pretty neat, with some severed limbs, and a satisfactory amount of blood. As nightmarish as the idea of helplessly losing limbs is, the effect is a little funny to look at, but props to them for trying. The direction is fairly decent Special 'praise' must go to how Price and Lee manage to share almost an entire scene without being on camera together, and one stares the other back into an acid bath.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And the location work is pretty good. The car chase is shot well, and moves on foot to a neat area, that's framed really well! We don't see a lot of the totalitarian state, and what we do is regular streets and sunny green fields. It's not terribly unconvincing, though their insignia looking like a road sign isn't good for much but a laugh.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEg2cVUOIYxO7dhJ7PV55pIT1JpF-BYxiXIInChFEpzVwbRbhMA8PF4-4QbfyfZLy_ZhVcf2rihj9iEebC-0VpMMVQksNrT-a4zFSZszT6sJhCbdF0Gak_SdJ_Q3t7HD9LFw2TzIHjQbSWcCkV5651VJPgUEKHQXW5dz-t46nVVugT4kJmdmoVcpdltgri/s960/scr14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEg2cVUOIYxO7dhJ7PV55pIT1JpF-BYxiXIInChFEpzVwbRbhMA8PF4-4QbfyfZLy_ZhVcf2rihj9iEebC-0VpMMVQksNrT-a4zFSZszT6sJhCbdF0Gak_SdJ_Q3t7HD9LFw2TzIHjQbSWcCkV5651VJPgUEKHQXW5dz-t46nVVugT4kJmdmoVcpdltgri/w640-h360/scr14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Scream and Scream Again is a bizarre film, and if you go in expecting these great horror stars, you'll be disappointed. But it's still worth checking out just to see how crazy it gets. Or if you want the really compressed version with some funny jokes, you could watch the great <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UONC2p9EqOk">Dark Corners review</a>!...<br /></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-11121540602395026242023-08-13T21:14:00.000-07:002024-01-06T04:43:42.706-08:00Dr. Renault's Secret (1942)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYsmlaYl0fSQPaFWS9Y6BATp9wLXbOXUcrxYRpVsOXYVgl5gHJw6_6n0NUHz5JM1gtIHJOVuMyUSWAW0fdShxttHC7lIaiFvJEljvmbx4j_Kzavkad_Oc7Gkgt_vHNHxifuottsKWo3Whqa1LQavJ48e7J4SmPnRK_n8q2dL8SKZesBgCIXaR412ZSpkv/s717/rn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="717" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYsmlaYl0fSQPaFWS9Y6BATp9wLXbOXUcrxYRpVsOXYVgl5gHJw6_6n0NUHz5JM1gtIHJOVuMyUSWAW0fdShxttHC7lIaiFvJEljvmbx4j_Kzavkad_Oc7Gkgt_vHNHxifuottsKWo3Whqa1LQavJ48e7J4SmPnRK_n8q2dL8SKZesBgCIXaR412ZSpkv/w640-h500/rn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dr. Larry Forbes is visiting a cosy French village to meet his fiancee, and her uncle
Dr. Renault. He is quickly introduced to Renault's strange assistant Noel, and he swaps rooms with a drunk American tourist, who is found
murdered. There's some concern the killer was after Larry, which he brushes off. But he's soon given pause for thought when more killings occur, and Dr. Renault has his own suspicions, tying back to a secret from his past...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYN-cdSRY95ts6QnoJOjdfBzARBNoeecax9z1XIZT_onVQDZpzl7W2y2MMdwVuRgKq-fiwuHVvWJTacqZ2ncjGw7mfYllqoJ3xJgcG_E11U3Li3q6jGy-_vZfarRtOUpxyHTyc-wS4PlYfDhSkZEbGMlNtjgvBFjxddHI_M2o6CYlztVGFM1bqf52Jo_e/s960/rn4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYN-cdSRY95ts6QnoJOjdfBzARBNoeecax9z1XIZT_onVQDZpzl7W2y2MMdwVuRgKq-fiwuHVvWJTacqZ2ncjGw7mfYllqoJ3xJgcG_E11U3Li3q6jGy-_vZfarRtOUpxyHTyc-wS4PlYfDhSkZEbGMlNtjgvBFjxddHI_M2o6CYlztVGFM1bqf52Jo_e/w640-h360/rn4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Based
on a 1911 novel by Gaston Leroux, Dr. Renault's Secret is a fairly
standard 1940s b-movie. A mad scientist with a fascination in gorillas
is doing experiments, the usual. Broadly this isn't anything we haven't
seen before, but the finer details are where it gets more
interesting!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtVHA-R8PkQ02V1oLaL9gEZ3b8Yw_9_gUbNt0X8E478KEAr_rxvw3u7hd4IKFotYXXqRTg1uDJuf61qK-SHf76gqpJyHnm_axJkctcok1hie4Jywz6K_ebWWq31jGfkfg7oEhQlQghnBzjz1lsCuDZQQZLHNLi1Gm6oH9-hopYp_elqP8qYcRl0IfVi1K/s960/rn1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtVHA-R8PkQ02V1oLaL9gEZ3b8Yw_9_gUbNt0X8E478KEAr_rxvw3u7hd4IKFotYXXqRTg1uDJuf61qK-SHf76gqpJyHnm_axJkctcok1hie4Jywz6K_ebWWq31jGfkfg7oEhQlQghnBzjz1lsCuDZQQZLHNLi1Gm6oH9-hopYp_elqP8qYcRl0IfVi1K/w640-h360/rn1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Renault's assistant Noel is the key to the film's success. He seems relatively normal, if perhaps mentally simple. He's passed off as a native from Indonesia, but in actuality his origin isn't what it seems. Noel, the talking standing human being, used to be an ape! Usually when we see primates in the captivity of mad scientists, they're just animals, but Noel used to be an animal, and is now a human, who acts like us, and can even speak! It's a fascinating idea, how a completely different life form would adjust and learn, and how it can be more like us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDYK0vJ2km6jsvKQT3MgwY9N8w1VqQps5LffzI-DhbpdYlCZ85UQC4tG7G-1fjS2zJMxqgb9pylFidTSDs1Y4Ydcy9l_2LAiL4MOoqxGt0GG_OeyjuPMM5sJ7GqhA1nQJddR0_WApiBEaS1IyxGbepJJei6A5xcxrkSUTFR3Zor7FhaoaD5VAwdOsdx9I/s960/rn2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDYK0vJ2km6jsvKQT3MgwY9N8w1VqQps5LffzI-DhbpdYlCZ85UQC4tG7G-1fjS2zJMxqgb9pylFidTSDs1Y4Ydcy9l_2LAiL4MOoqxGt0GG_OeyjuPMM5sJ7GqhA1nQJddR0_WApiBEaS1IyxGbepJJei6A5xcxrkSUTFR3Zor7FhaoaD5VAwdOsdx9I/w640-h360/rn2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite this change to his nature, Noel is still an animal at heart. He yearns to be free and experience things how he used to, and feels frustrated by Dr. Renault's attempts to keep him 'civilised', as a boring old human. While Noel may be simple, he understands that the doctor is trying to make him something he's not. In a way making him every bit as Renault could have hoped!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film has a nice sense of ambiguity. Noel's animal desires often translate to violence. He loves Madeline...and may kill to keep her from another man. He likes dogs, but they don't like him, leading to a cross-species punch-up. As the body count racks up, Renault is convinced Noel is the guilty party, but we never actually see him commit those first murders, and he may well be innocent! But the point still stands, he's capable of it, as we see when he <i>does</i> murder two heckling townsfolk (in pretty spectacular fashion!). Noel is neither portrayed as entirely good, or evil, and our sympathies are meant to lie with him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJg2CsWjbW8jNBwfI4kffEVhc8OpPkNJnWQpFTGMjwRhxBiuPEz4dMpkW3oOPSsrj0OJhMm476lJ2Fahp0BXpNWxjOcNbhJ0TZAE2eFJ0zlfxAyS1OsoD1qZUQNi6VZbbQ6iDFLr7K2_3ZWb-PzNJoqrMfTK8GqIo_xS3A19EswTTOepPMjGdw-DhmxnsX/s960/rn7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJg2CsWjbW8jNBwfI4kffEVhc8OpPkNJnWQpFTGMjwRhxBiuPEz4dMpkW3oOPSsrj0OJhMm476lJ2Fahp0BXpNWxjOcNbhJ0TZAE2eFJ0zlfxAyS1OsoD1qZUQNi6VZbbQ6iDFLr7K2_3ZWb-PzNJoqrMfTK8GqIo_xS3A19EswTTOepPMjGdw-DhmxnsX/w640-h360/rn7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
titular Dr. Renault is quite ambiguous himself. He's not evil, and his
experiment is perfectly benevolent. He even intends on taking action when he thinks Noel has
killed people. But it's his whole attitude that makes you wonder. Although I really
think the movie coulda worked a bit harder to make his actions questionable.
Because as it is, all he's done is turn an animal human,
teach it English, and employ it as a butler. Nothing really illegal, no egregious
tampering in God's domain. In fact if he brought his findings to the scientific community as is, not only would he not be charged with anything, he'd be lauded!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The final act takes place at a local fair, where fun and games are had, until Noel dispatches two tormentors, before confronting the doctor. Meanwhile Madeline is kidnapped by a more human villain, and only Noel can save her. This leads to a fun climax, and Noel is absolved of his previous murders by dying to save the day. After which we get a pretty abrupt ending!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX8iCn4t5aa4eSZFegYMDwRLvwaJVaOz4j2nNzKmwX85XLqCeLKW86KYhPQfeykef5PVUe1qsAbuobD55KzwNyKiAmtMAh8lp7uBmCWHgT-dyyysFvOLVdTnqp_Wv8H_zDRDjn-vKhWaq540unk22qrxxZ9ruAI3xE5JzF4K08cPlSpXKqne1-21-5Mnz/s960/rn6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX8iCn4t5aa4eSZFegYMDwRLvwaJVaOz4j2nNzKmwX85XLqCeLKW86KYhPQfeykef5PVUe1qsAbuobD55KzwNyKiAmtMAh8lp7uBmCWHgT-dyyysFvOLVdTnqp_Wv8H_zDRDjn-vKhWaq540unk22qrxxZ9ruAI3xE5JzF4K08cPlSpXKqne1-21-5Mnz/w640-h360/rn6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The leading guy and girl are an alright pair, but nothing more than standard. Noel gets the lion's share of development, and is interesting to follow. And Dr. Renault is an affable host, but with something to hide. Even if he doesn't technically do anything villainous, and his heavy-handedness with Noel only comes when he thinks he's been killing people, he still meets a sticky end. He's pretty much forgotten by the end though! I'm not sure if anyone even learns he's dead, let alone his daughter, nor do we see her mourning him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwUVsRkxU4GHMbhCdNrOLtO5AG6RE0ByYpXWJFMRSDczUa2QrBVAfJKHLhqBH09D4OmXVTyIzyWZ0aLNqBnBr1w7-wD_wVu7xLHGjHfmUk6GZVm9thxuWeIwmomkTCRVGRRVfCYY-4to_qA7jSysSFQ_c73f3aLjxIxesugaC28bAmdwbH1xmYh9s9nA6/s960/rn3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwUVsRkxU4GHMbhCdNrOLtO5AG6RE0ByYpXWJFMRSDczUa2QrBVAfJKHLhqBH09D4OmXVTyIzyWZ0aLNqBnBr1w7-wD_wVu7xLHGjHfmUk6GZVm9thxuWeIwmomkTCRVGRRVfCYY-4to_qA7jSysSFQ_c73f3aLjxIxesugaC28bAmdwbH1xmYh9s9nA6/w640-h360/rn3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The supporting players range from the townsfolk, who can be nice at times yet also bullies (They are such brazen assholes!), the lilting Irish police inspector, and Renault's shifty ex-con gardener. And then there's the most adorable dog! He's such a big boy, and gets in some nice pats!...Yeah, you'll wanna skip past minutes 28-29.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
direction in Dr. Renault's Secret is very dynamic. Scenes are shot and framed well, and there's a creative use of
dutch angles! In fact it goes a little overboard. Half the movie is
tilted on its side! The film believably recreates a quaint little
French village, and has some nice locations and sets. There's not much
in the way of effects besides set destruction, which is done well. I also
liked the effort that went into Dr. Renault's picture book! Most other films woulda used stock images, but not this.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIS-UFft2cEiM9xD9i2APm3VWJoVpXCvipGk6ED7OszRmCX23RHBV5kU4o4HTs4-Fc2J11t2_LzRsoR3_fiOL1ZOC_awS-TsYRgTZ-sg5IcCRcoxh-7mFSNWu91v4hCS7rukR72Rux_p5eZ_Vlu7wBlRS1yxOdgnF1J0rHLzZFoQkN_1Ewc_Y5s4RqPFF/s960/rn5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIS-UFft2cEiM9xD9i2APm3VWJoVpXCvipGk6ED7OszRmCX23RHBV5kU4o4HTs4-Fc2J11t2_LzRsoR3_fiOL1ZOC_awS-TsYRgTZ-sg5IcCRcoxh-7mFSNWu91v4hCS7rukR72Rux_p5eZ_Vlu7wBlRS1yxOdgnF1J0rHLzZFoQkN_1Ewc_Y5s4RqPFF/w640-h360/rn5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And
lastly, the acting here is a real high point! George Zucco is a fun mad
scientist, while the young couple are tolerable. And the townspeople are varying
degrees of entertaining, with Mike Mazurki being a traditional hood. The accents are funny too, with everyone in this French town either sounding American, British, or Irish! And most
importantly is J. Carroll Naish, who delivers a great performance! He delivers his lines in an effectively stiff way, like someone who's only just learned to speak, without sacrificing emotion. And his mannerisms really nail the not quite human feel of his character.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwBGOrDoSxkBFo31PlgHiyGAYfK1zVLTXXO3MmohKNjeqF1GepX0zZupwsFKW0-5K_3zyhO1Mr4771SkcdSYX7Zkj_Sb_kUbFKDwNryO_2MjU0IQcs2DhSuDFVX042cOSzSy39GKWaDtLGW7oxYEU54i7zHuUVrt8CUsYVOQ6vXfxT7xCbKKBgKgkLfON/s960/rn8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwBGOrDoSxkBFo31PlgHiyGAYfK1zVLTXXO3MmohKNjeqF1GepX0zZupwsFKW0-5K_3zyhO1Mr4771SkcdSYX7Zkj_Sb_kUbFKDwNryO_2MjU0IQcs2DhSuDFVX042cOSzSy39GKWaDtLGW7oxYEU54i7zHuUVrt8CUsYVOQ6vXfxT7xCbKKBgKgkLfON/w640-h360/rn8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Dr. Renault's Secret is a pretty good film! And short too at only 58 minutes, so it definitely can't hurt checking it out...</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-30030612238868298962023-08-13T20:13:00.000-07:002024-01-06T04:37:34.577-08:00Madhouse (1974)<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib83DEfMEki2SkqvQ4RdjHlQKIIww4ih_UZH7jfERP-Am-ofBhFhpnsWPA_4j8H_SMp-FDHexBNhta9wrcuiwGSvGAdkDyVX1HuujkWcdm00-FPyzwuwLBx0gN_P2649TH5KgUU0oX4GeynPSLejGTyMlq4U1mE9CBOoI7gjZPMUt54PQZmM66sncjQA4o/s600/mdh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib83DEfMEki2SkqvQ4RdjHlQKIIww4ih_UZH7jfERP-Am-ofBhFhpnsWPA_4j8H_SMp-FDHexBNhta9wrcuiwGSvGAdkDyVX1HuujkWcdm00-FPyzwuwLBx0gN_P2649TH5KgUU0oX4GeynPSLejGTyMlq4U1mE9CBOoI7gjZPMUt54PQZmM66sncjQA4o/s16000/mdh.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Paul Toombes is a famous horror star, loved for his character of Dr. Death. As he throws an engagement party one night, his bride-to-be is found murdered, and he has a psychotic break, believed to be responsible. Years later, Paul has been in and out of institutions, and is finally in the outside world again when old friend Herbert Flay gives him a new job offer. He will star in a new Dr. Death series for TV. But it's not long before new murders occur, and Paul grows increasingly unnerved. He fears the Dr. Death persona is very real, and breaking free...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Madhouse is a late AIP/Amicus offering, giving horror great Vincent Price one of his final leading roles (though certainly not his swansong in cinema overall!). It's an enjoyably spooky time, giving us a nice amount of blood, murder, and intrigue. Madhouse is based on the novel Devilday, and diverges somewhat from the text (perhaps for the better).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTgeD_DHcUWLNr0I92WWTjBXP6DaBHMlWaFLs4IwIk5_WMYmvDmHtsSZsFSyVYGxgs9YCHZ5hoN6tWGv9CCcQnZb3wgrlmmx4XAMwqFTgdYo7pEx_HrpxFBTkg7Al2RP--CAcG_TvUqeym6KSCT_Xl1kBX-W2f6KzQGqkoPH69jxGyqWtDsU82Bbkb7Eh/s960/mad1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTgeD_DHcUWLNr0I92WWTjBXP6DaBHMlWaFLs4IwIk5_WMYmvDmHtsSZsFSyVYGxgs9YCHZ5hoN6tWGv9CCcQnZb3wgrlmmx4XAMwqFTgdYo7pEx_HrpxFBTkg7Al2RP--CAcG_TvUqeym6KSCT_Xl1kBX-W2f6KzQGqkoPH69jxGyqWtDsU82Bbkb7Eh/w640-h360/mad1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While hearkening back to older fims, Madhouse has a slight psychological side, and feels like an early slasher, or a giallo, considering certain similarities. Lapses in logic, and a black gloved killer, as well as an unexplained touch of the supernatural.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The story is quite good, and Paul is an immediately sympathetic character, but one we're unsure about. Is he really the killer? It soon becomes clear that someone else is the true culprit, if only because there wouldn't be much of a mystery otherwise. There's a decent pool of suspects, and the reveal of the killer's identity makes sense, although their motivation is a bit weak! You mean they really killed half a dozen people over the course of a decade for <i>that</i>? Petty bastard!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their identity isn't exactly obvious, but it's also not the most difficult to guess. While the who makes sense, the how's don't really hold up to scrutiny, when we see the killer elsewhere at the time a murder is taking place. I'm also not sure how they were gonna explain Paul ending up murdered, since that'd ruin his whole plan.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuGVZlJFe9ckQQk0_QNWYPibvrVmc-_W6H8bbJcYrC3t8x3D7P55_9p4N2b1lHybRNt1TB7FgeYJDDiFkbBCWEqvv640taIVvqSnSGte3z9fA37IYiG-1qaenmbe-8cikAevjjcz9PmyYpNpGNHwYoYl1w8pgFnPbE-PZRppVGOI7TQSkUp4S2JrmeXBc/s960/mad4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuGVZlJFe9ckQQk0_QNWYPibvrVmc-_W6H8bbJcYrC3t8x3D7P55_9p4N2b1lHybRNt1TB7FgeYJDDiFkbBCWEqvv640taIVvqSnSGte3z9fA37IYiG-1qaenmbe-8cikAevjjcz9PmyYpNpGNHwYoYl1w8pgFnPbE-PZRppVGOI7TQSkUp4S2JrmeXBc/w640-h360/mad4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Madhouse is a love letter to classic horror. Not only does it have two (and a half) horror stars headlining, but the Hollywood setting is a nice touch. There are many callbacks, using real footage of past Vincent Price films (with posthumous 'guest appearances' from Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone). These moments are fun, even if it's a bit unconvincing trying to make out like Pit and the Pendulum or Tales of Terror are actually Dr. Death vehicles. The TV interview was funny too, with how much time is taken up by clip shows! Paul has only just escaped a murder attempt and is clearly exhausted, so the host just cuts straight to clips, and no sooner than he says a few words, they're right back!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Paul is a likeable lead, as evidenced by his gracious behaviour in the prologue, and you feel bad for the guy! His genuinely loving bride is murdered and his whole world completely collapses, with the fun horror films of past becoming a source of anguish. This is only compounded when the murders begin again, and not only does the wider world think he's guilty (albeit getting a sick thrill from watching a real murderer), even he isn't sure, and considers ending it all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyi_qZ3eFsR6P4l1JMXs2WEa2Pz-xL4QRGPqNlrLyMdDrsinOoXfbJ4bpHFt2LwLi8bVodporPo2FxSrSZRY1kxQskEeO1cJ6qZ5vgTW7KPHXfFt2MU5MDh5B2hApaYN6hHpqIu4SX67CZxSijo-vCk3vKWHil9Z9I2hWwTqX_mML2smMgrkimczJft-S/s960/mad3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyi_qZ3eFsR6P4l1JMXs2WEa2Pz-xL4QRGPqNlrLyMdDrsinOoXfbJ4bpHFt2LwLi8bVodporPo2FxSrSZRY1kxQskEeO1cJ6qZ5vgTW7KPHXfFt2MU5MDh5B2hApaYN6hHpqIu4SX67CZxSijo-vCk3vKWHil9Z9I2hWwTqX_mML2smMgrkimczJft-S/w640-h360/mad3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Paul's friend and colleague Herbert Flay is a jolly fellow, with his own motives. And then there's his ex-wife and old flame to Paul, who's become a demented spider lady after a car crash led to her disfigurement. Paul's PR chief Julia is a nice girl, who gets close to figuring out the truth. Her fate disappointed me though. I felt she was the one character who should've made it out ok! Although at least her death does play an important role for the climax, whether you like it or not.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there's scummy producer Oliver Quayle, ex porn king, now media mogul. He has a good presence throughout, then all but disappears in the final act. He makes it out alive too! I like that it's not obvious, and some might say it's more realistic and less convenient that he isn't slashed. But it's still disappointing for a major character to come to nothing, especially when he's such an asshole! Who <i>wouldn't</i> wanna see him get a pitchfork through the neck!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The police are good, and I liked how smart they are. While not totally convinced of Paul's innocence, they're at least understanding that he's a sick man, not a malicious killer, and they also suspect it may not even be him at all, but a frame-up. And the victims range from regular innocents, to catty divas, stalkers who get more than they bargained for, and would-be blackmailers.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9RbFMKtxzLKq4A_sjg_PdS07ibIMTkze4dB8ZqtVqoATVmfQS2d_PQYNgT_HeAru02pmNYs92HGM1fZa85QMo7GQP7uhhj8Vbe5Qxak1blkW_YpR1YK76xIRhCyUBW57_3h06q0G2jk0jbPvgtXdmgSScPZYatKAFi9Ek6MVPJFPJDI1_RdvTt8kPwXM/s960/mad6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9RbFMKtxzLKq4A_sjg_PdS07ibIMTkze4dB8ZqtVqoATVmfQS2d_PQYNgT_HeAru02pmNYs92HGM1fZa85QMo7GQP7uhhj8Vbe5Qxak1blkW_YpR1YK76xIRhCyUBW57_3h06q0G2jk0jbPvgtXdmgSScPZYatKAFi9Ek6MVPJFPJDI1_RdvTt8kPwXM/w640-h360/mad6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The death scenes in Madhouse aren't numerous, but there's a decent amount, and they're fun. One is a traditional stalk-and-kill, while another has what must be the dumbest characters, leading to a great double kill. But my favourite death in the movie has to be the bed crush. It's hilarious that the crew of this series even <i>made</i> this prop lethal, with so little safety in mind that a single dud switch means instant death. Then, come the next shooting scene, the bed's still there! They cleaned the squished body of the effects guy off, sure, but the offending device is still there, and hasn't even been switched off! Talk about a dedicated crew. And laundrymen!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnbAmP3Qf879Iqn7YsTM0xEO79bwOmSB6rUVPlRU0cFsoKuKVn-hlKoij4SpjywzUAGQctQUWxpO3Z_UI7wOCLfRKsh6W_HVU5MHqZG8fzwlWFs3ZE5IsAokQYKEgoi_N6xpVcXLgMKNTuHQytGt4UbXWZuoFEr9DLKblYQmKV7W3APwD_dafo5SK8ywI/s960/mad8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnbAmP3Qf879Iqn7YsTM0xEO79bwOmSB6rUVPlRU0cFsoKuKVn-hlKoij4SpjywzUAGQctQUWxpO3Z_UI7wOCLfRKsh6W_HVU5MHqZG8fzwlWFs3ZE5IsAokQYKEgoi_N6xpVcXLgMKNTuHQytGt4UbXWZuoFEr9DLKblYQmKV7W3APwD_dafo5SK8ywI/w640-h360/mad8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are more tense encounters and chases throughout, making for a pretty entertaining time. There are times when the movie lags a little, but not too badly. The final act is fun, with an unhinged Paul really getting to dramatise amid a fiery set. This leads to a smaller scale but good climax, with a final fight with the real killer, and an enigmatic supernatural moment. The only moment of its kind in the movie it makes you wonder, and has a nice sense of ambiguity.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsm75QVjo9oGh3xP6byviGOfVa-IgJLeywgJ9Xek8thOaon5rGGl5Aci2tJrmgi3allTsKRheEyc7P4z3mX79FC40M6kq7QSOgkuxjO9YTQKvHGMiPx7O3vMj84NwN1I61J6kbl6tXVZVX4BlWZnrkribd2es5jsvWEtYfE_DRPowUTOAh7QGn5b9aAbO/s960/mad5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsm75QVjo9oGh3xP6byviGOfVa-IgJLeywgJ9Xek8thOaon5rGGl5Aci2tJrmgi3allTsKRheEyc7P4z3mX79FC40M6kq7QSOgkuxjO9YTQKvHGMiPx7O3vMj84NwN1I61J6kbl6tXVZVX4BlWZnrkribd2es5jsvWEtYfE_DRPowUTOAh7QGn5b9aAbO/w640-h360/mad5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The acting here is good. Vincent Price is a great lead, getting across both the humanity and fragility of Paul, as well as his more theatrical moments. He makes some bizarre faces too! Campy, but you can't deny their power! Peter Cushing is his usual affable self, but really gets to cut loose in the last act. Robert Quarry is alright, though you'd never guess he was a minor horror star in his own right from his pretty standard Hollywood producer role. Natasha Pyne is nice enough as Julia, while Adrienne Corri is totally froot loops as Faye, which I don't know to praise or criticise. The rest of the cast do well, with a high or low point being the crazy parents, who are determined to say every line in odd frenzied unison! And lastly, who else would show up but Parky himself, Michael Parkinson!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige91k7EP-jDFfqCr8zX_n2CpR7IYg-Yd87_c4PPaxqexqS_DF2LaI5d2pp0yxQXPADK7HhTiDUAJezAPELq1Ji1Kp5Qeor-g2r7emMp_f01qANfeBxlgfZ2Zv_PzdtCU9CzTJ-nIBHcEnYezZmoy8VhnmySQpgBan1eLzXdVIktCD7NlXInJaG1PgWyGh/s960/mad2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige91k7EP-jDFfqCr8zX_n2CpR7IYg-Yd87_c4PPaxqexqS_DF2LaI5d2pp0yxQXPADK7HhTiDUAJezAPELq1Ji1Kp5Qeor-g2r7emMp_f01qANfeBxlgfZ2Zv_PzdtCU9CzTJ-nIBHcEnYezZmoy8VhnmySQpgBan1eLzXdVIktCD7NlXInJaG1PgWyGh/w640-h360/mad2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The effects in Madhouse are neat! We've got some good impalements and
stabbings, an implied crushing, and a hilarious head rolling. The make-up Paul wears as Dr. Death is great, as is the mask and outfit worn by
the killer. The use of spiders is impressive too! Either they used very
convincing fakes, or these actors got <i>really</i> comfortable with spiders crawling all over them!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The direction here is good, with some effectively filmed murder sequences, and some great imagery, perfectly suited for a horror movie. The score is likewise good, with a few tense tracks, and some funky ones, in a very 70s way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPEuMDlFIuYKEhWbG1iheBbP05lZYcLxydDTCwZam1wSBVvzWIiNmwpbKsjwORIPdJRfgU6vvG8Xgy9GHJhbIPXkhIVXhQZzInrmUrz60FHYektsM93cgwrPhJpPOhX9USkr1sJjubxz_VN0AVyNzqV-34oWWvVLmTlbI2Pjn2fRLnLXAWhWkDwjCzTTS/s960/mad7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPEuMDlFIuYKEhWbG1iheBbP05lZYcLxydDTCwZam1wSBVvzWIiNmwpbKsjwORIPdJRfgU6vvG8Xgy9GHJhbIPXkhIVXhQZzInrmUrz60FHYektsM93cgwrPhJpPOhX9USkr1sJjubxz_VN0AVyNzqV-34oWWvVLmTlbI2Pjn2fRLnLXAWhWkDwjCzTTS/w640-h360/mad7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Madhouse has its flaws, but it's a pretty neat 70s horror, and one of the last of the old classics, before the genre began to shift into its modern era...</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-9611070202048724852023-08-02T08:10:00.001-07:002023-10-02T04:30:54.610-07:00Karışık Pizza (1998)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPQhT0Bdvk6LPLnuk_y17Vth6SaRUGUDegYiDm4BC48Ni_aq2BsMdrCwc9ma5TyxQa2KATRkI3JwQopxOEPfhppriFr9mAoaFJU42Oe7KazGmmWEZZjIRFJV8hI08M7caaFlMMwwUEnJ_KmaLM8-m1MygZEUlGeTgvxygKinan5q2-iVkKsJ25uudQQTy/s640/ks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPQhT0Bdvk6LPLnuk_y17Vth6SaRUGUDegYiDm4BC48Ni_aq2BsMdrCwc9ma5TyxQa2KATRkI3JwQopxOEPfhppriFr9mAoaFJU42Oe7KazGmmWEZZjIRFJV8hI08M7caaFlMMwwUEnJ_KmaLM8-m1MygZEUlGeTgvxygKinan5q2-iVkKsJ25uudQQTy/s16000/ks.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ever since the internet popularity of their cult cinema, a lot of Turkish films get saddled with unofficial titles like Turkish Star Wars, Turkish Batman, etc. Most of the time these nicknames are well deserved, but the further they go on they get a bit more tenuous (Like how Turkish
Jaws is an unrelated crime flick with half a minute of shark action). I
was curious how the so-called Turkish Pulp Fiction would earn this
title!...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM2V7mQeE1jm9iCO-B9gUgg768_jpeitx7tTN9NKOWkub5cLTRRMh8k14MU3KYqlYfxaLdTYj5-FiiYVzUmk3v43qIFu_6NC-iKrFYK_rZLtxqNnI77gCEE1jXMSkSpMvU0fxazI7cv5ylTTFmtpMXE3wnEj5Ro7wIstokvyMFlZIevdvbCCVV8lya4lI/s960/ks7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM2V7mQeE1jm9iCO-B9gUgg768_jpeitx7tTN9NKOWkub5cLTRRMh8k14MU3KYqlYfxaLdTYj5-FiiYVzUmk3v43qIFu_6NC-iKrFYK_rZLtxqNnI77gCEE1jXMSkSpMvU0fxazI7cv5ylTTFmtpMXE3wnEj5Ro7wIstokvyMFlZIevdvbCCVV8lya4lI/w640-h360/ks7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A hapless pizza delivery boy arrives to his latest call, finding a gorgeous woman. He lingers too long and discovers she has a body in her bedroom! She pulls a gun and ties him up, and claims he is the killer when a criminal associate shows up. With his life hanging by a thread, can the poor guy escape, or will he be sliced like a pizza?...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Karışık (Mixed) Pizza is a late 90s crime flick with a quirky side. It's a fun thing to see from Turkey. How does it stack up as a film though? It's okay. It's nothing amazing, but it also wasn't bad, and does a few things well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDyxBagAMpUejzUYz8lFNhEz_-nCeu-ynk5VsH-PINdtesFU15OjgLMb9WEPwv-VimuKeeWKBRmr6ivsqNGazWq9PAcETAxJmKZ0uQGVUANECBC3gX6h86inv2fdgJ1J8I7DsKm6d6vWsBBvkz2uhLeDLPCkBvgy5r-7SOLg2kwjbL9nWoFJTsZxIvExG/s960/ks6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDyxBagAMpUejzUYz8lFNhEz_-nCeu-ynk5VsH-PINdtesFU15OjgLMb9WEPwv-VimuKeeWKBRmr6ivsqNGazWq9PAcETAxJmKZ0uQGVUANECBC3gX6h86inv2fdgJ1J8I7DsKm6d6vWsBBvkz2uhLeDLPCkBvgy5r-7SOLg2kwjbL9nWoFJTsZxIvExG/w640-h360/ks6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite being made so recently, this wasn't exactly a widespread film, and while I was able to find it, only in what appears to be a workprint, with a constant time-stamp, no credits, and an almost complete lack of music. There's also a version on youtube in better quality, but missing 20 minutes and having <i>three</i> watermarks. You just can't win sometimes, can ya! But short of searching the bargain bin racks in Turkey, or pirating a local TV signal of Kanal D, I guess this is it for now.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pizza has a sudden beginning, and gets straight to the biscuits. The majority of the film is set in this apartment, and it does drag on a bit in this early section, before the flashbacks get going. It's quite light on dialogue in places too. The movie does manage to work despite its cramped setting, but I feel it was isolated for just a bit too long.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02ov-IMjlQ6qk7Y0rt7TA8XBvY22lYc8lGBClda9Ktky8T-lTisLUWtSqghEKbBekQC1q4ix2G8c137ZLy1gWyq4J7ZvmVjewx62drc1THIkEaD1R11NBNfGmM39AX5uA5Ek106KZEqTe_cr4P5wyxuwMZV-wAcrLaL9kcQTkL8jn_w5lwpZcjaHCojJ5/s960/ks9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02ov-IMjlQ6qk7Y0rt7TA8XBvY22lYc8lGBClda9Ktky8T-lTisLUWtSqghEKbBekQC1q4ix2G8c137ZLy1gWyq4J7ZvmVjewx62drc1THIkEaD1R11NBNfGmM39AX5uA5Ek106KZEqTe_cr4P5wyxuwMZV-wAcrLaL9kcQTkL8jn_w5lwpZcjaHCojJ5/w640-h360/ks9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The story is simple on the face of it, but with added complexity, and a series of flashbacks. Not all of which really involve the main story. They allow us to know the mystery lady better, as well as the two crooks. Things do get a little confusing, especially if you haven't figured out who exactly is who yet, but for the most part it's not hard to figure out. Though I was still wondering a couple of things after the movie ended.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The protagonist is ostensibly the pizza guy. We never really get to know him normally, beyond his opening pep talk to a mirror. He spends most of the movie tied up, but does get a couple of moments where he almost escapes. Early on he tries climbing out the window, which is impressive and ballsy, though he was an idiot for trying, and even dumber for going back in. The least he could've done was stand behind the door with a vase!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtszR5IWzPorNyF_HW3OjYiYC-6mpxGMgyOQFMI-GsyCnSb_oa95sgOsbXBgw5MIX9x210i10kjfmEbZYIe30q_93Lndus5XlygQSBiP2LlRI0p0hLmUJv6VLtr4JZ7TPoJmehtuYqkI7-xpjvyva0aoKFgy4H6bYje5G5-hxM_poXF-L2wxuSe3XR4ye/s960/ks8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtszR5IWzPorNyF_HW3OjYiYC-6mpxGMgyOQFMI-GsyCnSb_oa95sgOsbXBgw5MIX9x210i10kjfmEbZYIe30q_93Lndus5XlygQSBiP2LlRI0p0hLmUJv6VLtr4JZ7TPoJmehtuYqkI7-xpjvyva0aoKFgy4H6bYje5G5-hxM_poXF-L2wxuSe3XR4ye/w640-h360/ks8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've read online summaries say he has fantasies where he's a tough guy against the crooks or saving the day, but
this never happens. There are a couple of fantasies where he's in a different role, but when the lady is spinning a yarn to convince her buddy. Since he's otherwise tied up I think the movie could've actually benefited from more such scenes, and lived up to that inaccurate synopsis.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The mystery lady is the most important character. Sexy, crafty, and playing all sides against each-other, we're not quite sure who she is or what her motives are until the end. She's interesting to watch, and we can easily believe how she can wrap others around her little finger, as well as take her seriously as a threat.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-4xvp2GGyupN6W_4Dq3ISvDH8J03CuffBKmCp74yfoFEBl-XFYkGClRNl2kCFxEmvAkXtAGzC3nJGIZSRw-3WlHRgPseHL8k_WBcNKIHtOo5qU-jWViY0EJrAG3yH4JnDP35x2T-oNqMbTVyrheaLFh93-dOBdgsDFC3t0wGBMZdFpwx0Ut2FNrptwPl/s960/ks12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-4xvp2GGyupN6W_4Dq3ISvDH8J03CuffBKmCp74yfoFEBl-XFYkGClRNl2kCFxEmvAkXtAGzC3nJGIZSRw-3WlHRgPseHL8k_WBcNKIHtOo5qU-jWViY0EJrAG3yH4JnDP35x2T-oNqMbTVyrheaLFh93-dOBdgsDFC3t0wGBMZdFpwx0Ut2FNrptwPl/w640-h360/ks12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there are two hitmen(?), one of whom starts out the movie as a corpse. In the flashbacks we see them enjoying their gangster life as they go around blasting rivals away, and planting clever bombs, while both putting the moves on their ladyfriend. Interestingly, if we compare this to Pulp Fiction, we actually see 'Jules's' reaction to 'Vincent' dying.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The last act culminates in an alright encounter. A little lacking in some ways, and I've got no idea why 'Jules' was shot when he was, but the telephone trick was fun! The pizza guy getting shot felt a bit pointless and mean-spirited, though he's ok, and we get an amusing police questioning, mirroring his earlier predicament. Poor guy can't catch a break! I didn't get him wiggling his tongue at the audience though! Cut that out, mate!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVQSMl_GuMDYt-VIaolud94elUtEWCTgn2voNkwCDFVgt76kPBBnIk8qOEJg4hxtr8B71ZwrYQdl_CST3Usnzc1jcHCmTO_Fe1B74-3rRMlk1LxEL7cLMuqEEbmZBhhL2GRQYxcV8UXBl6wRvxuoSKBFgJbUa4dSgInMP8RmIofvC9hyphenhyphenw3jHNfMgA0bDv/s960/ks13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVQSMl_GuMDYt-VIaolud94elUtEWCTgn2voNkwCDFVgt76kPBBnIk8qOEJg4hxtr8B71ZwrYQdl_CST3Usnzc1jcHCmTO_Fe1B74-3rRMlk1LxEL7cLMuqEEbmZBhhL2GRQYxcV8UXBl6wRvxuoSKBFgJbUa4dSgInMP8RmIofvC9hyphenhyphenw3jHNfMgA0bDv/w640-h360/ks13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The action in Karışık Pizza doesn't disappoint. There are scenes where a single burst of violence is the climax, then we've got a manic shootout, followed by an impressive POV chase scene! You've gotta wonder how 'Jules' thinks he'll get away with openly chasing someone with a gun, and shooting him dead in public!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The movie's got a dark but goofy sense of humour too, like one gangster's sweary reaction to getting shot in the shower. The violence throughout is good too! I assume this was a low-budget production, but it gets around any limitations well.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbqEZ-jkg100bOj9bc6I5ON2zgt3cqqL0L2zm4LUa5GgUNU8vfAFOapyvVCVAIOvYDOFUxKn_bPOBmIwDqzRkpGAQT7eKfNYi_PEKBzRGfymhKFQZCCAkS_qLncFfU2rOhWhQb2v-ddebW6AxGc_tdrdR2899vmZidxN0ZQZ7e3F1Esav7FIs4cql36Cu/s960/ks11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbqEZ-jkg100bOj9bc6I5ON2zgt3cqqL0L2zm4LUa5GgUNU8vfAFOapyvVCVAIOvYDOFUxKn_bPOBmIwDqzRkpGAQT7eKfNYi_PEKBzRGfymhKFQZCCAkS_qLncFfU2rOhWhQb2v-ddebW6AxGc_tdrdR2899vmZidxN0ZQZ7e3F1Esav7FIs4cql36Cu/w640-h360/ks11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">And
now we come to the most important area to discuss-Is Karışık Pizza
really the Turkish Pulp Fiction? Not really, but kinda. It's not a copy
of that film directly, though it shares a couple of visual choices, such as
the two suited-up hitmen, one of whom has long hair (though neither are black, since this is
Turkey)]. This feels more generally inspired by Tarantino's style. A
quirky but violent tone, a non-linear narrative with a through-line,
and scenes of talking punctuated by sudden violence. There were a lot
of films in Tarantino's wake that tried and failed to emulate his
style, and the lightning in a bottle that was Pulp Fiction. But while
not a perfect film in its own right, Karışık Pizza does well, and seems to
get Tarantino in a way a lot of these knock-offs didn't.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeuJgv2NOR0eKXP4VFs8cVtSlLcsulJX992IN9K3i1AB0OWFS3-4EVej2cEgxGtEn0Ypnk4K9gtvr8gVl05jaw1yvW0NFKFNgiiMiLYWwybq_LNwd8tlB2_qR5BGKIcodhRq1I3j2LE5iF-Yr9tEXsjKShKwqtYpp6b6JbMiKyn3sMukvwnVSRQglCno1/s960/ks4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeuJgv2NOR0eKXP4VFs8cVtSlLcsulJX992IN9K3i1AB0OWFS3-4EVej2cEgxGtEn0Ypnk4K9gtvr8gVl05jaw1yvW0NFKFNgiiMiLYWwybq_LNwd8tlB2_qR5BGKIcodhRq1I3j2LE5iF-Yr9tEXsjKShKwqtYpp6b6JbMiKyn3sMukvwnVSRQglCno1/w640-h360/ks4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4llHnh1K4J98WmyzWpxJcXPbPTRO-zFKHQKH2Mm2RCNYbntZ51LLTohBMRqbsy34R9-4HV1BXOjh1KVtbd4RHOjOPElvngXl8vax4qYpnw4Xiq847Acyt_hgN0hl0w_kQ8pWKXJ58IV63V3Qiqc1nS3jzbdFpMwxbEIp3A2u2ZiP1Y_ApktnRXEdBDPAj/s960/ks5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4llHnh1K4J98WmyzWpxJcXPbPTRO-zFKHQKH2Mm2RCNYbntZ51LLTohBMRqbsy34R9-4HV1BXOjh1KVtbd4RHOjOPElvngXl8vax4qYpnw4Xiq847Acyt_hgN0hl0w_kQ8pWKXJ58IV63V3Qiqc1nS3jzbdFpMwxbEIp3A2u2ZiP1Y_ApktnRXEdBDPAj/w640-h360/ks5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The direction in Karışık Pizza is one of its best qualities! There are some creative shots, nice framing, and the movie is filmed well despite its minimal setting. The action is shot well, and there's a great stunt in one scene, which I can only wonder how they accomplished. I looked up the director out of curiosity, to see how his career's gone, and it seems to be going pretty well. He's done a few music videos (some of which I've seen!), sports docos, and the new fantasy soap opera Shahmaran! That was a surprise. Here's an obscure Turkish pulp flick, helmed by the same guy behind a big Netflix release.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The acting is good. Olgun Şimşek performs what's either a thankless or easy role, and does well. And assuming it's him, I applaud him for his stuntwork! It's Meltem Cumbul who steals the show, with her sultry and dangerous role as the lady. The rest of the cast is fine, if overacting at times, including Cem Özer as a Jules/Vincent combo who resembles Turkish singer Barış Manço.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95uBfA8PQpKbH-0DLQpMRIucixAYtFr4l3VhNG1KRWxvgSV2D24nXK9Rx7tHwOhxvDr-rHujz1_OtgLHd8ZSQOuKodL3x4idieh4Twev8MfCbDxkcc_9DYsUnwrS3Z8HhNpUmPFDeWvJhgWWBS_J3NYk6roZ1xAWUjhkF1Yhpr5bYhcgU05k4Nw32Qo1k/s960/ks10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95uBfA8PQpKbH-0DLQpMRIucixAYtFr4l3VhNG1KRWxvgSV2D24nXK9Rx7tHwOhxvDr-rHujz1_OtgLHd8ZSQOuKodL3x4idieh4Twev8MfCbDxkcc_9DYsUnwrS3Z8HhNpUmPFDeWvJhgWWBS_J3NYk6roZ1xAWUjhkF1Yhpr5bYhcgU05k4Nw32Qo1k/w640-h360/ks10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Karışık Pizza is an interesting little curio, and has its positives, especially if you're a Tarantino fan. There's a lot better out there to enjoy, even among Turkish crime, but it's worth checking out if you're interested...<br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-40359615686809049482023-08-01T18:03:00.000-07:002024-01-05T22:55:53.899-08:00Eşkıya (1996)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyZQIWfGMw14DfIQb6z6qABz3LsmD0nrN0KQvasorcma6dhtKe7XIliI1UgJ8TqbSGJxcz_tzddAZmoogiz-em2nH7sZDPkGSxR7pWvfEJUS02AU9ZQK7DqrF37_Ec6CvyeEov7k9xKI8NJcaqgQ-bDzsMvgn62WPNEPOT6hkXec8DL2h93xDAoJvWoTq/s800/es.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="566" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyZQIWfGMw14DfIQb6z6qABz3LsmD0nrN0KQvasorcma6dhtKe7XIliI1UgJ8TqbSGJxcz_tzddAZmoogiz-em2nH7sZDPkGSxR7pWvfEJUS02AU9ZQK7DqrF37_Ec6CvyeEov7k9xKI8NJcaqgQ-bDzsMvgn62WPNEPOT6hkXec8DL2h93xDAoJvWoTq/w453-h640/es.jpg" width="453" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In
the 90s, Turkish cinema had been on a gradual decline, and local
content was losing out compared with foreign media, and cheaper TV offerings. While not entirely dead (any cinema that still produces magical realist fantasies about giant snake women can't be that bad off!), things
seemed pretty low, until the release of Eşkıya, which would prove to reinvigorate the country's output in time for the new millennium...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Wg3Z5vlF74e-vZyOMDwGudUy6ctFmqr3wOWoFZMyilbd6VKrw8485FysYfZcETVXOnyXKwFhaNaRZsAIwI5sgiyLnNb1zRv7rUlJLM7xzHPGcBDSTOQetnTsrKLSczpUZGt11rZQLZnclgssxbPm5WQhDXx1oaz_hHPdGLj8UcEVMRDhMScGDUbjrM13/s960/es1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Wg3Z5vlF74e-vZyOMDwGudUy6ctFmqr3wOWoFZMyilbd6VKrw8485FysYfZcETVXOnyXKwFhaNaRZsAIwI5sgiyLnNb1zRv7rUlJLM7xzHPGcBDSTOQetnTsrKLSczpUZGt11rZQLZnclgssxbPm5WQhDXx1oaz_hHPdGLj8UcEVMRDhMScGDUbjrM13/w640-h360/es1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Baran
is a mountain bandit, released from prison after 35 years. He returns
to his hometown, only to find it empty, flooded from a new dam. The
only one left is an old mystic woman, who gifts Baran a protective charm. Alone,
he journeys to the big city, and is dazzled by its size and scope. After
doing young hood Cumali a favour, he tags along with him, until he sees the face of the man who betrayed him on TV. The man Baran once considered a brother is now a ruthless businessman. Is there any way Baran get get revenge for himself and justice for others in this tough new world?...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eskiya
(Bandit, or The Bandit if you feel like sticking in an article) is a modern
crime film, with a Turkish twist. The film instantly gets your
attention with an arresting prologue, and we're drawn into our lead
character's journey. A simple but strong introduction that sets the
stage for what's to come.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp99cBwDw_9GL4EGdPzLT7Y821_pS2jsMFCyK2E5rlRWkfeIYMagzvA3yeF-mp3JdoYtl-xXSPV75I5kUm6EDdoMW4pRWYvCIlcZWlyhvQF_8qx7trzbYD88SSKFS4i7fALmXDb-yFIuM-aXJeN-16zpn-yt9G_1_4bhNxbqZpItKQDhbg4dvkjG1Ysfe1/s960/es2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp99cBwDw_9GL4EGdPzLT7Y821_pS2jsMFCyK2E5rlRWkfeIYMagzvA3yeF-mp3JdoYtl-xXSPV75I5kUm6EDdoMW4pRWYvCIlcZWlyhvQF_8qx7trzbYD88SSKFS4i7fALmXDb-yFIuM-aXJeN-16zpn-yt9G_1_4bhNxbqZpItKQDhbg4dvkjG1Ysfe1/w640-h360/es2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film feels epic
in scope but small in scale and character, giving things an intimate feel. The only place this betrays the film is how often the
same rooftop recurs. It's a great location, sure, but come on, don't overdo it! The final act
could've at least taken place on a <i>different</i> rooftop!<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The tone is very much in the vein of magical realism, where the events are happening in the real world, but there's a subtle undercurrent of the mystical. The movie is mostly serious, but there's some light humor too, and a little romance (ish), with drama never far behind. The dialogue goes a long way, with some great passages that are still fondly remembered in Turkey to this day.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C-mI93vkjNpp9OXk9XTa3khAk8smOYW6SEvgom77Wr-54N-3K9_4jUkOfeb6fIFDfRm_ZxA9MJgFLi5Na_Wqx5gfdaSiGNRyCOGShpDNF6gHO-iK9YfX3iI-LhYSvLxF7Onl_PjmjlJxIi1zfxQaOPA_QZT25FDv6RIxN47GPsTZbhJ6prn_3d5jT4Vs/s960/es3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C-mI93vkjNpp9OXk9XTa3khAk8smOYW6SEvgom77Wr-54N-3K9_4jUkOfeb6fIFDfRm_ZxA9MJgFLi5Na_Wqx5gfdaSiGNRyCOGShpDNF6gHO-iK9YfX3iI-LhYSvLxF7Onl_PjmjlJxIi1zfxQaOPA_QZT25FDv6RIxN47GPsTZbhJ6prn_3d5jT4Vs/w640-h360/es3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eşkıya isn't a perfect film to me though. What are my complaints? Well for a start it's 2 hours, and it didn't need to be! It never bored me, and a slower pace can definitely be appreciated at times, especially with some of the masterful shots here! But it still could've easily cut 20-30 minutes and not lost much.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6m940a72iaRCuJb6eC4AH7J_TLu0i9X1D8HGiffrf55xH_LGHR11KX3MuW_86_1ee_cziJpgwfpwZRoxF8yF3RelLpMbcPHI79ae4LAL7GKKBUjLQyStrF4fnvYgJ64dPhPccdavH-LXI-N0O16RW85LB8aBRjfhCI-wYabHfx_2VXdni81x1qppbhux/s960/es4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6m940a72iaRCuJb6eC4AH7J_TLu0i9X1D8HGiffrf55xH_LGHR11KX3MuW_86_1ee_cziJpgwfpwZRoxF8yF3RelLpMbcPHI79ae4LAL7GKKBUjLQyStrF4fnvYgJ64dPhPccdavH-LXI-N0O16RW85LB8aBRjfhCI-wYabHfx_2VXdni81x1qppbhux/w640-h360/es4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And my other big complaint is how the movie seems to lose sight of who the protagonist is. Baran is our hero, yet he almost gets sidelined, with Cumali's story taking centre stage for large stretches of time. Baran's plot stalls halfway through, and only really picks up again near the end. Lemme tell you, I really didn't find Cumali interesting enough to care for his crap over Baran's!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu2BSdOK5S_jaTbVoW3J2U52sLspOhO9WqSnE_tUHPcZ_xxKLmFBXz19ICLjOxx9LnXE43lmvbarSie25ux3aigKN5tZADVo-nnCTAvKhqoDW-Uii1YFjZ97vbPMbcZF0dnQASeethe32qMwa04Iu7yWh38Z4wGkOekXdV8iP6phWykaj1qfk-9TC3bIH/s960/es5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu2BSdOK5S_jaTbVoW3J2U52sLspOhO9WqSnE_tUHPcZ_xxKLmFBXz19ICLjOxx9LnXE43lmvbarSie25ux3aigKN5tZADVo-nnCTAvKhqoDW-Uii1YFjZ97vbPMbcZF0dnQASeethe32qMwa04Iu7yWh38Z4wGkOekXdV8iP6phWykaj1qfk-9TC3bIH/w640-h360/es5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A character piece through and through, we have a strong cast in Eşkıya. Baran is a likeable old guy, with a sense of innocence to him despite his former life. He leaves a good impression on those he meets. Though it's unclear why Baran was in prison for <i>35 years</i>! That's a bit extreme, isn't it? He was only a mundane bandit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite not exactly being a commando, and spending half his life in prison, Baran turns out to be a total badass when pushed, becoming the Turkinator, with perfect accuracy and no damage. I guess part of it is taking the baddies by surprise, but it's still funny.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qgMf3VA7c0QM4cmeJoLMO_W7I9CE6_cobA3IBWooAsz74m74hMJVThI_YsLqb0HU0_MoUqBahDPV99uudxFtXn72uD4zkUydkG_2HuO5YjT3_rsfw0OPl4a0gqzeugQb0zrrs5VAuTW6srEVIcGjtCb-GgNJZxNeSehQuS7DzhEn3k9I4dbteksc0qCQ/s960/es7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qgMf3VA7c0QM4cmeJoLMO_W7I9CE6_cobA3IBWooAsz74m74hMJVThI_YsLqb0HU0_MoUqBahDPV99uudxFtXn72uD4zkUydkG_2HuO5YjT3_rsfw0OPl4a0gqzeugQb0zrrs5VAuTW6srEVIcGjtCb-GgNJZxNeSehQuS7DzhEn3k9I4dbteksc0qCQ/w640-h360/es7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cumali is an ok supporting lead I guess, and has his moments. Though
one wonders why he wants to be a gangster so badly when it involves
begging, pleading, and sucking up to assholes who could kill him for the
slightest failure. He eventually reveals a backstory which fits with his oncoming circumstances. What happens next is a bit depressing, and does make you like Cumali a bit less, but he still maintains a sense of pathos till the end.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there's Cumali's duplicitous girlfriend, and her con-artist 'brother'. I was wondering if they were really related, or if that was just a lie. Thankfully that is the case. I mean, ewww, nevermind that Cumali is a much better catch than a greasy unattractive prison rat, imagine if he really <i>was</i> her brother!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL6tbAGfYTQ75Sus2r0KOCCiK2IWp8yyHTIcSMtTGWfZQTR7HvgO_PD114DKldBld-ChWf6UhqOHxg2ZUHsb_eor97RBIg2lIQGvNb5svxEvuJjXRXjJazTJ6bRqCK8FB1g1cNx1T-NMEqe7YY8SraRLz906SpoVmfptl6fx4-Es2N8LVExkfMENHNZzZ/s960/es6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL6tbAGfYTQ75Sus2r0KOCCiK2IWp8yyHTIcSMtTGWfZQTR7HvgO_PD114DKldBld-ChWf6UhqOHxg2ZUHsb_eor97RBIg2lIQGvNb5svxEvuJjXRXjJazTJ6bRqCK8FB1g1cNx1T-NMEqe7YY8SraRLz906SpoVmfptl6fx4-Es2N8LVExkfMENHNZzZ/w640-h360/es6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Berfo is an underused villain. I was expecting him to be overtly villainous to Baran, but he seemed oddly accommodating, even letting him see Keje again, and to take her away, with a cheque too. It seems like despite being a ruthless prick, he genuinely feels bad for what he'd done. But then he betrays Baran later anyway, so maybe this was all part of his plan? Somehow? I was a little confused by his motivations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There also seems to be a plot hole regarding what happened to Baran and Keje's child? Unless I didn't hear something, or completely misunderstood the whole thing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The climax begins with tragedy falling, leading Baran to take justice into his own hands. This leads to a brief action setpiece, where in under 3 minutes he singlehandedly guns down every last bad guy in the movie, big or small! It's a very satisfying moment, and while it is ridiculous, and defies credulity a little, it's still enjoyable. It may have taken longer for this guy to strike back, but when he does he <i>does</i>!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmEZHa25kodmljuNmsTQ86SJ_B4I6Fc2O1RAVmUhgIXLB3Jqeohrp8DM5E-26Qa8v7nNqfgmk1khMOGMyj5qvd8TNAzqmCYmy3V3_WVsHkmZDOWOY16oUaCeKgVFvMzBfv5cXaGcvH3pazbDuH0zgcnHh-pEVOOiYCAGCYNbP30_P2T9dbygOgm2sg6Dx/s960/es10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmEZHa25kodmljuNmsTQ86SJ_B4I6Fc2O1RAVmUhgIXLB3Jqeohrp8DM5E-26Qa8v7nNqfgmk1khMOGMyj5qvd8TNAzqmCYmy3V3_WVsHkmZDOWOY16oUaCeKgVFvMzBfv5cXaGcvH3pazbDuH0zgcnHh-pEVOOiYCAGCYNbP30_P2T9dbygOgm2sg6Dx/w640-h360/es10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then there's the ending, which is probably considered one of the most famous scenes of modern Turkish cinema, for good reason! It's a magical fairy-tale ending, that isn't exactly <i>happy</i> per se, but it leaves a great impression, and perfectly encapsulates the movie's themes.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The
acting in Eşkıya is a high point. Uğur Yücel does well as rookie crim Cumali, while his buddies and the mafia goons are all played well. <span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">Zübeyde Erden</span></span> has a small but effective role, and Sermin Hürmeriç is fine, though leaves less of an impression. And Kamran Usluer has a piercing iron gaze as Berfo, making me frustrated he wasn't used more! And of course, last but not least
is the leading man himself, Şener Şen. He delivers a great performance,
getting across perfectly the sense of loss and change, as well as simple old-school innocence.
He also convinces as a stone-cold badass in the final act! This
is all the more impressive if you know your Turkish cinema, because Şener Şen was predominately a goofy comedy actor! His performance in Eşkıya is like Robin Williams in Insomnia/One Hour Photo!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a0MwTzWQKSnO6vr0peB-Phbr7asbDxH-pSCCC2dVUKAQSP_qEeOojNeE-qRziIXYKCcGA41k6SL_nAPUnd4aiWoqh0xYVJ1bx9o-tSqpSuGrhqsyP7M3OzL23FVIcAG1kTK8me1QtalPOM9XTlLcDQOToDlzWebja4CDNytd_6_px13dv1obUsxsdn6V/s960/es11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a0MwTzWQKSnO6vr0peB-Phbr7asbDxH-pSCCC2dVUKAQSP_qEeOojNeE-qRziIXYKCcGA41k6SL_nAPUnd4aiWoqh0xYVJ1bx9o-tSqpSuGrhqsyP7M3OzL23FVIcAG1kTK8me1QtalPOM9XTlLcDQOToDlzWebja4CDNytd_6_px13dv1obUsxsdn6V/w640-h360/es11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The soundtrack is very strong, with subtle melodies, and more orchestral moments, like the chanting over the ending. The effects here are minimal, mainly in the limited gunplay, but get the job done. Although the actors could've done a more convincing job dying! It's a bit stiff, and pretty funny.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The direction by Yavuz Turgul is fantastic. The city of...let's say Istanbul, is captured very well, from the bustling streets, to the rooftops, both night and day. We're also treated to the dazzling sight of a former town flooded to create a vast dam! It has a sense of beauty and melancholy to it. There are many great images throughout, with the ending being particularly strong! So much so it's even plastered straight on the posters, despite being a massive spoiler!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wmX4Hohf2SfGbVtWm681-lQ5HTYSrMEWm-0XO7MBzuwAsNq5OUrtMUeslLrf2sQJ4SQuXGXvSRr0QJjFmE3HpisjkqNisrjk_HH3sQ-vGUGwSTsx7aUeVw1uJ0da1oG2zQgZFVpCYguKr7AWcMVKr6lr9d-1FGdxjHx-2ut3tsjZRfUTrZoSN6C5snue/s960/es9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wmX4Hohf2SfGbVtWm681-lQ5HTYSrMEWm-0XO7MBzuwAsNq5OUrtMUeslLrf2sQJ4SQuXGXvSRr0QJjFmE3HpisjkqNisrjk_HH3sQ-vGUGwSTsx7aUeVw1uJ0da1oG2zQgZFVpCYguKr7AWcMVKr6lr9d-1FGdxjHx-2ut3tsjZRfUTrZoSN6C5snue/w640-h360/es9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eşkıya is a modern classic for good reason, and well worth a watch! It's a jewel for its country's cinema, and the international scene overall, and deserves to be more well known...<br /></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-68566059978142401812023-07-27T19:20:00.001-07:002023-10-01T05:25:55.016-07:00Aaahh Belinda (2023)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT6oB-2sN7Gbc76uBdOMxsAfU1vvXqI_tDTaKAPxVlmkIDHHMEZonMobeN7Z_LZg-R2hU10_NWHTI3-BUixUrlBOJfdqLWsBWc-37KmLQo_QH6JZno84cWWrzq8OVaMQwc9AfvYJqNnxCFIpvMbLBM-OrPyf5AUkalNImPAw6brfp6Xd858djdDH4iB2z/s630/ahh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT6oB-2sN7Gbc76uBdOMxsAfU1vvXqI_tDTaKAPxVlmkIDHHMEZonMobeN7Z_LZg-R2hU10_NWHTI3-BUixUrlBOJfdqLWsBWc-37KmLQo_QH6JZno84cWWrzq8OVaMQwc9AfvYJqNnxCFIpvMbLBM-OrPyf5AUkalNImPAw6brfp6Xd858djdDH4iB2z/s16000/ahh.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Turkish remakes of foreign movies, whether official or not, are pretty commonplace, but not so much of their own. One would hope these films and actors are considered too untouchable to try and match. With this in mind, I was surprised to see a new version of Aahhh Belinda of all things! The original was a magical realist film about feminism and household roles, directed by auteur Atıf Yılmaz. How will this be updated for the modern day?...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnb7m5Fh3_7YW-1yBtkV0AIOgmDJ3z3nv0I5xwPOdUvhEX89LwzLCthXGqa9cD2BXu2QODjWljYzmROl6woWP8pAso7cmlfTExVM1m9mjqdTE1c_OGCsmg1H6Nx9BpffVTiDz0m2FIgmFxaHtZpU047o6AuhC0Z1-iXAkMOs-ujrO8J6H_FRXFH7vKVUj/s960/ahh2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnb7m5Fh3_7YW-1yBtkV0AIOgmDJ3z3nv0I5xwPOdUvhEX89LwzLCthXGqa9cD2BXu2QODjWljYzmROl6woWP8pAso7cmlfTExVM1m9mjqdTE1c_OGCsmg1H6Nx9BpffVTiDz0m2FIgmFxaHtZpU047o6AuhC0Z1-iXAkMOs-ujrO8J6H_FRXFH7vKVUj/w640-h360/ahh2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dilara is a stuck-up actress coasting through life. When offered a new gig as a housewife in a shampoo commercial, she is skeptical, but the director guides her through the role of Handan, insisting she not just play the role, but to <i>be</i> it-<i>Be</i> Handan. The moment Dilara opens her eyes, she finds the crew disappeared, the cameras and lights gone. She's in a real apartment, with the actors now living their roles and believing her to be Handan. After running around her old haunts, she realises the whole world has changed, and no-one recognises Dilara anymore. What is happening, and can she find a way back to the real world? Or will she have to get used to a new one?...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gxm0MrdNhZ9Lamg1S1vgQYXB-US018hxHF6JXV9T3n6CxE2AxU4CCP8ZYMAulCNy64ArliZeRwF_Me6xnX2JaOaEnS9RuzXe4hrp5nAtS-27mUnR3HxanoOo0s4rylY-4EAfpn3OvpMoDr89u5VbE_lMh-yZCkx1uDegaOJs6Vs2195kZ9e3IKE6dh9f/s960/ahh3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gxm0MrdNhZ9Lamg1S1vgQYXB-US018hxHF6JXV9T3n6CxE2AxU4CCP8ZYMAulCNy64ArliZeRwF_Me6xnX2JaOaEnS9RuzXe4hrp5nAtS-27mUnR3HxanoOo0s4rylY-4EAfpn3OvpMoDr89u5VbE_lMh-yZCkx1uDegaOJs6Vs2195kZ9e3IKE6dh9f/w640-h360/ahh3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1986s Aahhh Belinda is a pretty good film, but not without flaws. With that in mind I could totally see it as worthy of a remake! It's still probably too recent for the 'honour', but a new version could tackle the idea, and maybe explore certain things the original didn't, or do some things better. Does 2023s effort succeed? God no! Bloody hell, I usually like modern Turkish films, but this was a pretty rough one.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aahhh Belinda 2023 (or Oh Belinda as it's sometimes called in English, because Ah was untranslatable Turkish gobbledygook apparently) starts off with a pretty neat song-and-dance number, and quickly introduces us to our lead character. As the key to the story and development, her personality is integral. So what is she like?...She's a <i>bitch</i>!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our heroine shows herself to be a rude, angry, and jaded lady, who bitches about everything. You could say this is intentional for her character growth, but she acts like this for the whole film, and never changes. Instead of being subtle, the film spells things out for us. It's not enough that she isn't the fondest of
children, here she's gotta yell in the streets about how much she hates them
(although this does admittedly lead to a great comeback by the mother).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5cjQLJVLXa4k-KnfVJlS2gso6CAUUvkQfBqgSDH4hvLvMQkWz5nZsg-uLtRMC1mnh7T8lLo3VjcS7FUMP0n3dij4f-NR8XT89seKFiUzRJOnWqIchw8Zx4XBVn8RjSo0xUqUPXGM174zrf_8AS7ytqsTZ3cGdwjRItfqOjFjHcabmByJjHMUxr41D7vz/s960/ahh9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5cjQLJVLXa4k-KnfVJlS2gso6CAUUvkQfBqgSDH4hvLvMQkWz5nZsg-uLtRMC1mnh7T8lLo3VjcS7FUMP0n3dij4f-NR8XT89seKFiUzRJOnWqIchw8Zx4XBVn8RjSo0xUqUPXGM174zrf_8AS7ytqsTZ3cGdwjRItfqOjFjHcabmByJjHMUxr41D7vz/w640-h360/ahh9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This actually had me worried about the film's themes. Is this made by a chauvinist who's trying to show why feminists/outspoken women are all vapid bitches, and all they need is to be reminded of their place by a firm husband? How wild would it be if the modern version of this tale was more sexist than the original! Thankfully this doesn't turn out to be the case. In fact there were very little feminist
themes to be picked up on at all.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure if the themes of the original even transplant well to the modern era. I know Turkey is still a bit behind when it comes to gender politics, but they've had 40 years of modern women since the times of subservient housewives. If Dilara is transported to an 80s world I suppose it could make sense, but nope, this shampoo commercial world has flatscreen TV's and ipads.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkaXBE2cquv_SzuTQR2cZVx5t3Kem5Z52iQ2kv1X5Tl0hyKDXx2pZNV0fiPjXZev6DE6MZnxqj3U0oXFagW_UuRjNvCC499kIKn7Kbppt-j0k7EYQTI0cIYZrIb2MAYL9mJHNhlCGjS_o21lx3TlW5HnLs2add2_ZsSFypLZePghCleOOiBYl224IR-gp/s960/ahh8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkaXBE2cquv_SzuTQR2cZVx5t3Kem5Z52iQ2kv1X5Tl0hyKDXx2pZNV0fiPjXZev6DE6MZnxqj3U0oXFagW_UuRjNvCC499kIKn7Kbppt-j0k7EYQTI0cIYZrIb2MAYL9mJHNhlCGjS_o21lx3TlW5HnLs2add2_ZsSFypLZePghCleOOiBYl224IR-gp/w640-h360/ahh8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The story here isn't the greatest, but it's not awful for the most part, and gets the job done. The pacing can be a bit slow, and a lot more happened in the original by certain points. The film does eventually settle down a bit, and has some good scenes. The mystery does intrigue, even if there are never answers (which works since it never promises any).<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dilara is a thoroughly unlikeable protagonist. Besides the aforementioned qualities, she swears like a fucking sailor, which fucking gets old fucking fast. Swearing can be an artform if done right. But without that care it just feels mindless, like a kid who's just learned to curse and won't stop, to show how 'cool' they are. Dilara also comes off as slutty. Not <i>because</i> she's having sex. Nothing wrong with that,
and the lead in the original did too. But it's how she does it that feels offputting, like a grotty stripper shoving her ass in your face.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvrVduHQ7qDtthNyPEOh947lbjBB3LTWwtcgYYrOIsb5nyUGcO7-QMIUgdF7Y1LoBe36HOdqn9Xwk4PJSZXt0Q33Vqd8OOY3jENVeHEV-XTfrP_HRNUL-TNT431yPCvUr7ONVFEKZP3ibND_l3xaMlxjhzQVrA9Fnajjgivnd2tqdI1BKlhhXJdjfTjv-/s960/ahh6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvrVduHQ7qDtthNyPEOh947lbjBB3LTWwtcgYYrOIsb5nyUGcO7-QMIUgdF7Y1LoBe36HOdqn9Xwk4PJSZXt0Q33Vqd8OOY3jENVeHEV-XTfrP_HRNUL-TNT431yPCvUr7ONVFEKZP3ibND_l3xaMlxjhzQVrA9Fnajjgivnd2tqdI1BKlhhXJdjfTjv-/w640-h360/ahh6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">She is trapped in the role of Handan, a boring repressed housewife. Everything the outspoken, brash, and contrarian Dilara hates. Yet confusingly, before Dilara took over, Handan was having an affair, with a kinky Dominatrix side, and stole hundreds of thousands of dolla...lira! She doesn't really sound like a submissive figure.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite being in this new role Dilara doesn't really do anything housewifey. Her husband is a meek guy who she can walk all over. After ranting once too many about being from another world, Dilara is briefly committed. She tries acting for the doctors to prove her story, only to be quickly sedated (thank goodness!). Here she speaks with a crazy lady, in a scene I thought was meant to be funny at first, like Dilara mistakenly thinks this inmate spouting gibberish is an important sage. But it turned out this is meant seriously.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once she's out she tries acting again, going to her old theatre under a pseudonym. She blags her way into a job, before being fired near the end. Not sure why, when they liked her acting anyway. All
that matters is she can do the job, not if she's a bank clerk with two
kids. This is acknowledged, but never answered. Not really sure what any of this subplot added. Also, it is odd how Dilara meets people from the real world in this commercial one, but that was in the original too, so I can't complain.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Vsz6ggncWD9EcIsDllFNPy_H7rbP5jasqJScuoE1EbLmJm6zJoQjK7nxPz5bhZyjtcVYeZDANIq-WVWwr-0t7uwD3af0n1geHfzbItqI0oEUdskpThRN8gfWAzf_uPOsAGHsYoYbsG8OLIOFSF6UEsKCl-GfMwaKf2BBCpzzFYNmORJaeBJ3avfrty_Z/s960/ahh10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Vsz6ggncWD9EcIsDllFNPy_H7rbP5jasqJScuoE1EbLmJm6zJoQjK7nxPz5bhZyjtcVYeZDANIq-WVWwr-0t7uwD3af0n1geHfzbItqI0oEUdskpThRN8gfWAzf_uPOsAGHsYoYbsG8OLIOFSF6UEsKCl-GfMwaKf2BBCpzzFYNmORJaeBJ3avfrty_Z/w640-h360/ahh10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The husband is an alright character, if slightly pathetic and possessing a creepy Joker grin. The kids are ok but severely underused. We do get a bizarrely intense bedtime story from their granny, who presumably traumatises the little munchkins with a horror story about The Sack Man. This story was in the original film, but the remake goes way overboard with it. Maybe Turkish grandma's are just really serious about scaring kids straight!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At times Aaahh Belinda almost becomes a thriller, with Handan having helped steal a load of money, and is in trouble from an unseen gang. This feels unnecessary, like the producers thought the movie wasn't interesting enough and needed extra spice. It didn't, and we see so little of this subplot, with no resolution, that it was pointless anyway.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLpWx-jfN-n1dDKHH_OjHVwJAfJnv_oEUi6iAuy9HlUuGdGx0iT5FOKNIs0FgfG7hYK0fYR08wNCmJocDMy2zm0NlBiwi94AIlFhxBj3vWc59wNQFcO7-JCkPnmtVrK8NWicRugcFLYOeIsNQTc3zUnMH7mrx7NC7b2X5Ju9qmrCiy5E7Ure2huz6DrTG/s960/ahh12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLpWx-jfN-n1dDKHH_OjHVwJAfJnv_oEUi6iAuy9HlUuGdGx0iT5FOKNIs0FgfG7hYK0fYR08wNCmJocDMy2zm0NlBiwi94AIlFhxBj3vWc59wNQFcO7-JCkPnmtVrK8NWicRugcFLYOeIsNQTc3zUnMH7mrx7NC7b2X5Ju9qmrCiy5E7Ure2huz6DrTG/w640-h360/ahh12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">A hyper montage is all we get showing Dilara's growing comfort with her new role. It has some amusing moments, but that's pretty much it. Dilara never seems to have any real emotional acceptance with this world. Only an exchange with her husband, which just leads to
sex. And then the only reason she's so happy is because she figures out
where the cache of money is hidden. We have no tender moments like with her father in the original, nor anything with the kids. In the end, Dilara doesn't transport back because of acceptance, instead doing a weird rooftop dance. I applaud the use of dancing, plus the abstract idea, but what the heck's even going on?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With Dilara back in the real world, the film has an abrupt ending. I don't mind us into getting a long wrap-up showing how everyone's doing. But I do mind not seeing how these experiences have changed
her. We get a disquieting ending, with no moment of triumph
or happiness. I had no idea what to make of it. Also, why is the crew
wrapping up so quickly and leaving their actress in the dark?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl44WX3cqGxDxqfItv8JSEOaE0d2xqKpPZZxLkcDtb2Mh9THt_i7uI3m70ZxbDaaShk2ujSE9fnfWsDm-xW6xoZ5EZEhRo4aGih3nXBft-IZm5WBD45A1cGcpl0qinkQf7jmQzec1-b4PwHM6ARjfsvXsTSSoklIJzGC8eoWSNcXLxFUpU2bK_k8uvD-8/s960/ahh4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl44WX3cqGxDxqfItv8JSEOaE0d2xqKpPZZxLkcDtb2Mh9THt_i7uI3m70ZxbDaaShk2ujSE9fnfWsDm-xW6xoZ5EZEhRo4aGih3nXBft-IZm5WBD45A1cGcpl0qinkQf7jmQzec1-b4PwHM6ARjfsvXsTSSoklIJzGC8eoWSNcXLxFUpU2bK_k8uvD-8/w640-h360/ahh4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The acting here is alright at best. Some performers do good jobs, others not so much. But my biggest criticism for the leading lady herself. I found her performance to be pretty bad! She does ok in some places, but in others she's hysterical. And how unlikeable the character is also affects her performance.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The score to Aaahh Belinda is perhaps its most interesting quality, both in a good way and bad. It's an intriguing listen, with moody synth tunes and ambient tracks. It builds up quite an ominous vibe, of something not quite right. Trouble is, it really doesn't fit the vibe this movie should be going for! It's just supposed to be about feminine self discovery, and yet the music sounds right out of Hotline Miami. The original film's TV jingle inspired soundtrack fit way better.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-iRAg4JPA5tngBRc7ilCgUc3ilNnso7Et_XKiFWkThQVH4PSdOu7YYg-P72b3_RPsfysjD5w1KflZUE2dZbl3R9dtmECwFE4JdrSWNSQTqrlesyKMgkT6gvWYEIjVLgEXgtJZ1JWE37imbptph9EJoNJKR947OcptRX2k3Fl53LMEndx3uMrqrs6_3iA/s960/ahh1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-iRAg4JPA5tngBRc7ilCgUc3ilNnso7Et_XKiFWkThQVH4PSdOu7YYg-P72b3_RPsfysjD5w1KflZUE2dZbl3R9dtmECwFE4JdrSWNSQTqrlesyKMgkT6gvWYEIjVLgEXgtJZ1JWE37imbptph9EJoNJKR947OcptRX2k3Fl53LMEndx3uMrqrs6_3iA/w640-h360/ahh1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqBS5VYB6Qx4i1QvjdCVKvcwsl9oqR9ZkKIZY6lxIhciKMYeS_pF7W8wNHrGZ-iyS-9uJv5-E7xC8rNX7IE7js6p6hXYO5uqAaqaIsrheV69wouJdnWDVBGam3TWSZyb9bcCaLGRJnc-Ple_eT2dpUZgDzSOUFr2iSmNx5Dz8OtbVzgf1MEAkL0TjHE6J/s960/ahh5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqBS5VYB6Qx4i1QvjdCVKvcwsl9oqR9ZkKIZY6lxIhciKMYeS_pF7W8wNHrGZ-iyS-9uJv5-E7xC8rNX7IE7js6p6hXYO5uqAaqaIsrheV69wouJdnWDVBGam3TWSZyb9bcCaLGRJnc-Ple_eT2dpUZgDzSOUFr2iSmNx5Dz8OtbVzgf1MEAkL0TjHE6J/w640-h360/ahh5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The direction here is well handled. The song and dance prologue is good, and there's a nice cab nightclub shot. I liked the ending shot with title, and how the men behind the original film are credited too. The lighting is cool, with a moody colour palette of neon orange and blue streetlight tinge. It's a little ill-fitting for this story, when compared to the original's more naturalistic lighting, but it looks neat all the same.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>And lastly, the film gives us a fun anthropomorphic shampoo bottle costume, which I really appreciate. It's a nice connection with the old film.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnn30xF7qz4tH07X3E3_cP0n3mD7oX0HKxmnnfQ0CwbZjbT9GZ-BLURrXyJCRPj0ALnzM4qUQXMORxHhoVdaZv_rAPFOeMxyY3WgkbZ4PMY4tmoJ0_heP7buERuBV4iJxI5LmctPOl_4bbrbWqGHnH-GZ0ua_GDnA2rPeMjqW7cnhGWFpvmvpyjsq-PKW/s960/ahh11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnn30xF7qz4tH07X3E3_cP0n3mD7oX0HKxmnnfQ0CwbZjbT9GZ-BLURrXyJCRPj0ALnzM4qUQXMORxHhoVdaZv_rAPFOeMxyY3WgkbZ4PMY4tmoJ0_heP7buERuBV4iJxI5LmctPOl_4bbrbWqGHnH-GZ0ua_GDnA2rPeMjqW7cnhGWFpvmvpyjsq-PKW/w640-h360/ahh11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aaahh Belinda gets off to a rocky start, improves somewhat, then has a rocky final act. I think it does have its positives, but I didn't find it a particularly satisfying movie in its own right, and especially not as a remake. As always, stick with the original...</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-50017787389203094382023-07-26T02:03:00.000-07:002024-01-14T00:02:11.718-08:00Ad Günü-Birthday (1977)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5CSORoqZtOxX8ivj7QnZpS1_xXTZ8KJdMUbWzJauiChf_pDkRrC0UE5wIiunev3ZIXCo8wE9F5Ug_ul37pWBwcSf_A3WxycZ_tiekf_wmncsjO9WBvNLKPjE-Xj0cBr0xv5qqPa5iDc70dkeEH9gtDR6Z2QdwPwhRF5JFG2rXgv7gkNgU2PL-rCeGzqe/s900/adg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5CSORoqZtOxX8ivj7QnZpS1_xXTZ8KJdMUbWzJauiChf_pDkRrC0UE5wIiunev3ZIXCo8wE9F5Ug_ul37pWBwcSf_A3WxycZ_tiekf_wmncsjO9WBvNLKPjE-Xj0cBr0xv5qqPa5iDc70dkeEH9gtDR6Z2QdwPwhRF5JFG2rXgv7gkNgU2PL-rCeGzqe/w427-h640/adg.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ali is a father who's brooding about having fallen out of touch with several old friends. With his young son's birthday fast approaching, he decides the best way of showing the kid that his dad's still got it is to get the band back together, and host a big party. This may prove easier said than done on short notice. Meanwhile, another man has mixed success with a new lady friend. Can all their problems be solved before the day is out?...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs1c8OtuhFNE7UC-QMI_jFdaNf9oFCDMYAFK0hoJtL3IQTUwH7u__h8emRhjUGX7yi5En_7NzSDd5-iAhn9woVpZS_-rlZLB_J1Yk_s6DFa2q-icr294fxsUho_ksKE_uQ0kFVjQ3NRGlH1m0KrJ47EjTbAHW2zZu16j83dKKU6cVBxhxMo-QdRCf3mQe/s960/adg1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs1c8OtuhFNE7UC-QMI_jFdaNf9oFCDMYAFK0hoJtL3IQTUwH7u__h8emRhjUGX7yi5En_7NzSDd5-iAhn9woVpZS_-rlZLB_J1Yk_s6DFa2q-icr294fxsUho_ksKE_uQ0kFVjQ3NRGlH1m0KrJ47EjTbAHW2zZu16j83dKKU6cVBxhxMo-QdRCf3mQe/w640-h360/adg1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">My
experience with the cinema of Azerbaijan consists of its glamorous
classic musicals, and social dramas (depressing or otherwise). Ad Günü
(Birthday) seemed to be a mix of both. But unlike others, it's set in the
present day. I was looking forward to a modern Azeri song-and-dance picture!...Well it turns out this isn't a musical
at all. Just popping that bubble for anyone else who seeks it out based
on that. But it was still a pretty decent watch.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4lhC8XKM9J8QnQO7aSpsgERzj7tcXFn1evQqHJfneGEyxZt14ypkgXDFsuZfbzujzIk6MeMChqSli4DHj-Wwh1SoqI0ZYBIDJtujwVRG1fSvwTT3WCOAAV5DMmmijRV3Z05Qgnn8xHhxB2T_izuFZoiO-YKkqT72caJdnKMKilZciWC6-U_C3Z9UQtSO/s960/adg2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4lhC8XKM9J8QnQO7aSpsgERzj7tcXFn1evQqHJfneGEyxZt14ypkgXDFsuZfbzujzIk6MeMChqSli4DHj-Wwh1SoqI0ZYBIDJtujwVRG1fSvwTT3WCOAAV5DMmmijRV3Z05Qgnn8xHhxB2T_izuFZoiO-YKkqT72caJdnKMKilZciWC6-U_C3Z9UQtSO/w640-h360/adg2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The plot is divided in two, with the lion's share being given to family man Ali. He's a bit of a misery guts and worrywart. Never happy unless he's miserable, and stressing himself into a frenzy. He's basically
turning his son's birthday into an excuse to get all of his own friends
together. But not for selfish reasons, but to show his son he's
somebody, not a friendless loser.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Hxe5-WwEkBhrrVmYfT2mrV4PejNhsPKneZZNp3EYvnacQR9NZtrO9j_HcRNOyTh6WR0JsyOPQ_gxD-_kbBcrCA3g3RDojHLNmCvLd33rHWeow4TxQqMbqWMUIWQ9WOMzWQcFDyAD_FhlThN8dViZF96sCM_kifWOcBRO7Yhrb58HoMmMo5wMkeWqyuO0/s960/adg3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Hxe5-WwEkBhrrVmYfT2mrV4PejNhsPKneZZNp3EYvnacQR9NZtrO9j_HcRNOyTh6WR0JsyOPQ_gxD-_kbBcrCA3g3RDojHLNmCvLd33rHWeow4TxQqMbqWMUIWQ9WOMzWQcFDyAD_FhlThN8dViZF96sCM_kifWOcBRO7Yhrb58HoMmMo5wMkeWqyuO0/w640-h360/adg3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I
like that despite his maudlin attitude, and his somewhat too forward
way of broaching the subject, Ali actually succeeds in his mission. The
others all agree they've become too distant, and work is only so much of
an excuse. So after an absence of years, they finally let their hair down
and have a big dance together, and pledge to meet more often.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAFESe6OhgYPt2Z-qG-B9pdsi5PZj9qrcUf3srW0Q8TKSyXp29dzHRSqRbSLa_hvHO0HVf6rojGQSKge2RvjfVyhAgb1kdgnux98jwB08RMRIgeT1UX9yKOxswEuMcjkXJ0ECTd7y8tQi69PcTZfSp4KCzRVgQtY0ZLdxr85m__QO0rSbi2lz8SYqbY4O/s960/adg5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAFESe6OhgYPt2Z-qG-B9pdsi5PZj9qrcUf3srW0Q8TKSyXp29dzHRSqRbSLa_hvHO0HVf6rojGQSKge2RvjfVyhAgb1kdgnux98jwB08RMRIgeT1UX9yKOxswEuMcjkXJ0ECTd7y8tQi69PcTZfSp4KCzRVgQtY0ZLdxr85m__QO0rSbi2lz8SYqbY4O/w640-h360/adg5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJmD2wF41lXJqPX2IMSQ_6ywowg4Hlyk9at6nsnDjA9f0hbbUZ3bA0ZRKLPWrr9dKDsh4nBtsBVS-C34ztTZjBhdsgJoDrkJUqLGa2hUcxz9AiLPr9h69stvafE5qX4NCCcMMXe76Yy2jM_tPzbTxTnL3nTVd3GTavt4fCW0S-ZFjd5kbrzKHViJJ01wi/s960/adg6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJmD2wF41lXJqPX2IMSQ_6ywowg4Hlyk9at6nsnDjA9f0hbbUZ3bA0ZRKLPWrr9dKDsh4nBtsBVS-C34ztTZjBhdsgJoDrkJUqLGa2hUcxz9AiLPr9h69stvafE5qX4NCCcMMXe76Yy2jM_tPzbTxTnL3nTVd3GTavt4fCW0S-ZFjd5kbrzKHViJJ01wi/w640-h360/adg6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mustafa's story is a bit odd in how unrelated it is to the rest of the film, but is nice enough. He's a likeable guy, if a bit overeager, and Farida is a withdrawn homely woman, but has a soft side to her. She's also very trusting to allow this strange man up to her apartment after only a day! She's believably frosty at first, but opens up well, and the pair share a nice rapport, getting to know each-other well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S6AOsj4PtSJl1w_B9MSh0W9gc3UsHQk8-fpBadtTbZjlJbOI3J1aPe6YP4E1lv3qx6vT18MJJ63gpmg_JcsRduXLB3c51TN5Y_gZYgkoLFAiweqcb9aEmoVYS9_gJyPQb9gzSab4nD8e_IOahp_KDyMVyH3Fh35c8h1-ww2hR4oePh28e5nUXSSsCO3R/s960/adg4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S6AOsj4PtSJl1w_B9MSh0W9gc3UsHQk8-fpBadtTbZjlJbOI3J1aPe6YP4E1lv3qx6vT18MJJ63gpmg_JcsRduXLB3c51TN5Y_gZYgkoLFAiweqcb9aEmoVYS9_gJyPQb9gzSab4nD8e_IOahp_KDyMVyH3Fh35c8h1-ww2hR4oePh28e5nUXSSsCO3R/w640-h360/adg4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Things end on a bit of a downer though, when Farida's brother sorta shows up, and despite saying everything's ok, she suddenly feels she should shoo Mustafa away. Nuts to your bro, lady, enjoy your date! We never see any proper resolution to this story, but I guess it's nice that not
everything is wrapped up in a neat bow. It's also nice that there's no forced
romance, just friendship. Maybe their relationship will develop further after the film's end, but it's not here for us to see.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The two stories intersect very nicely by the end, in a way that finally breaks the remaining gloom. It's a good note to end the film on. Overall the plot here isn't anything grand, but it succeeds in just that regard, being a little slice of life.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk6GzFwTNpeqVghFCKkM3I8Fq3CyqlmscxGhf2Y3aT3TO8OJ83XqxTfIfR9q1RO_Por6x1oeo1Oufw7neabCSUHiJjLNKajnd9Q4oKTxc9FszWM5qHpcgxDBl5DvKW6FioWrZ7mgDwHX-M11JRp-9gW1kPQFBcW7R3WEcK7yM_kJP6DzcS01MvcIIZu6p/s960/adg7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk6GzFwTNpeqVghFCKkM3I8Fq3CyqlmscxGhf2Y3aT3TO8OJ83XqxTfIfR9q1RO_Por6x1oeo1Oufw7neabCSUHiJjLNKajnd9Q4oKTxc9FszWM5qHpcgxDBl5DvKW6FioWrZ7mgDwHX-M11JRp-9gW1kPQFBcW7R3WEcK7yM_kJP6DzcS01MvcIIZu6p/w640-h360/adg7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajsmD3bsVn0cGPMkt9jwjlJYZaRRtcKmPDWK3CD8823sipn7cc6Kqvux9EH7LzXNldq58ZEw_U0FGbbtIikoS4TG0ajc_5vQtaq4OhIBzQquRv6YiBEZzE430xl3bvmhfCnB6ZWuXbXg82fhFhS7E_CuAu9pglw-sZeFamkUgGeR6dTqm4yz7G5LK0dkA/s960/adg8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajsmD3bsVn0cGPMkt9jwjlJYZaRRtcKmPDWK3CD8823sipn7cc6Kqvux9EH7LzXNldq58ZEw_U0FGbbtIikoS4TG0ajc_5vQtaq4OhIBzQquRv6YiBEZzE430xl3bvmhfCnB6ZWuXbXg82fhFhS7E_CuAu9pglw-sZeFamkUgGeR6dTqm4yz7G5LK0dkA/w640-h360/adg8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ad Günü does an alright job at showing off Azerbaijan of the period, and it's amusing seeing all the little 70s mod-cons. The movie is well-directed too, by noted local auteur Rasim Ojagov.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqThUzRbJRcR4YR1MAUCoLPCv4wuNnhMkrJOimX3F5y7VF6QZ0_IUfmdoORdWen2gohc9T7uo4PrX_o7dY9PhhzOPBNxVwPkHbl0uf18fUKAhNJAS94Azt6gH7aLJqsbwhhMZopbS_ARN8CVcQV0x1Dr6iAw4EUGgBxzLv1AKIM7XR9sR7dlcHR6MjQD5/s960/adg9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqThUzRbJRcR4YR1MAUCoLPCv4wuNnhMkrJOimX3F5y7VF6QZ0_IUfmdoORdWen2gohc9T7uo4PrX_o7dY9PhhzOPBNxVwPkHbl0uf18fUKAhNJAS94Azt6gH7aLJqsbwhhMZopbS_ARN8CVcQV0x1Dr6iAw4EUGgBxzLv1AKIM7XR9sR7dlcHR6MjQD5/w640-h360/adg9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The actors here do a decent job all-around. I liked that the cast is made up of fairly normal looking people. Particularly Shafiga Mammadova, who isn't a slim and slender supermodel, but a well-built woman, yet portrayed as no less attractive.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The the score here is ok, if a bit
down in places. There are also a couple of songs during the party sequence, such as regional classic Sev Kardeşim, performed by Zeynab Khanlarova (I'll probably cause an international
incident by saying this, but I found her a bit harsh and loud! I
prefer Emel Sayın), and a swanky Demis Roussos tune, When I'm a Kid, which fits the friendly partying atmosphere perfectly!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF5hdiTWiZPhSZtTJmhuZWQHRduQWh2guDFmDF5EOqQQvDFjRxiLbxDOQT0qHeWTczuTNoerOjtdfuTgjtKgsjz-uvnYqdREO6ZruXPf7c6QtsaEa6CjQoSqMXCyxA1HVnJhyphenhyphenDIGlZuhlMTu_fRwA2toxDde-j9ZjbeVvGJiL9K3fvw024uWrKQ4EYn_i/s960/adg10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF5hdiTWiZPhSZtTJmhuZWQHRduQWh2guDFmDF5EOqQQvDFjRxiLbxDOQT0qHeWTczuTNoerOjtdfuTgjtKgsjz-uvnYqdREO6ZruXPf7c6QtsaEa6CjQoSqMXCyxA1HVnJhyphenhyphenDIGlZuhlMTu_fRwA2toxDde-j9ZjbeVvGJiL9K3fvw024uWrKQ4EYn_i/w640-h360/adg10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Ad
Günü is a fairly simple down-to-earth movie, but it's decent enough,
and it's not depressing! Given how social dramas, especially those of
the Soviet variety could be, I feel that's almost high praise!...</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-18045290466899309482023-07-21T22:37:00.000-07:002024-01-06T04:35:27.645-08:00Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9JG43loff9FE4Kyh8vRLG8beIaKT1_mCWS4p2mZebj_IS31tCEUB4MeE36wFbtxnqC1zEK3Q0NmmJ8zpSniF94bxZy4xL1ImyJhoazD8w9J1eqPIECxPdD8-7lWXbWZ4UbDXs2LDZ6GFb1FkNeAHdAkgWZxbVthI4hWjm-OPElbYhMr4DpNGbh3dzeiA/s728/gzm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="516" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9JG43loff9FE4Kyh8vRLG8beIaKT1_mCWS4p2mZebj_IS31tCEUB4MeE36wFbtxnqC1zEK3Q0NmmJ8zpSniF94bxZy4xL1ImyJhoazD8w9J1eqPIECxPdD8-7lWXbWZ4UbDXs2LDZ6GFb1FkNeAHdAkgWZxbVthI4hWjm-OPElbYhMr4DpNGbh3dzeiA/w454-h640/gzm.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since Godzilla's first attack in 1954, humanity has been trying to prepare a way to fight back, while also trying to stay on top in the hunt for renewable resources. When Godzilla is attracted by nuclear energy, then plasma, they're in a race to solve the crisis. To this end the government recruits robotic scientist Kudo to create a black hole machine to permanently destroy the monster. The tests are successful, but unbeknownst to the team, a giant prehistoric dragonfly comes through the wormhole and deposits an egg cluster, which soon hatches into a swarm of monsters that may be a bigger threat than even Godzilla...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH-fDN9E_BliIqklQ48XudBkJ3u6DYSTP4bGTiZ7-c8Udo1klRsQRp5eyhtlayH2tPHWrlPmXlOAM4-_PgPE7yDPumpGqX9-pM6NnSHI55D6Xdg4oNEebX8EFv4APlzaJxlkA8DzZtYi4Szq8pO6SrDGtFqhZxOhUT-50YpTm5xwhoXM9ahmlZj_6V-8m/s960/gzm1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH-fDN9E_BliIqklQ48XudBkJ3u6DYSTP4bGTiZ7-c8Udo1klRsQRp5eyhtlayH2tPHWrlPmXlOAM4-_PgPE7yDPumpGqX9-pM6NnSHI55D6Xdg4oNEebX8EFv4APlzaJxlkA8DzZtYi4Szq8pO6SrDGtFqhZxOhUT-50YpTm5xwhoXM9ahmlZj_6V-8m/w640-h360/gzm1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Godzilla vs. Megaguirus is special in that (in Japan at least) it's the first Godzilla film of the new millennium! Appropriately the second entry in the Millennium series, it has a fun spin on classic material, with some new ideas and a new monster to enjoy. It's not the best in the series, and if I had to rank them this'd still end up pretty low, but not because it's bad. It's just your basic kaiju film. It doesn't do anything particularly new or exciting, but as a film, it delivers a good time.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The plot here is pretty standard stuff, with a few re-used elements here and there, but it's all told in a decent enough way</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMbPCSvzXL9g6FsN3Bpp9_gKP7EpOzpyIw-j0vyWSL3kKuBwi-4Eibnfgt5tLY7dXnzjrH6eWG4OtLxSPKogyQJDIvUDJ6bGhl6hmzwH9jz-N4_dzwiYbOaNTsxYHUMLACg4_RvD5diugzPvUy1vKWof4mnr35hkSdfh0v1_U_4mzsCOeK9kK9SK8T7Go/s960/gzm7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMbPCSvzXL9g6FsN3Bpp9_gKP7EpOzpyIw-j0vyWSL3kKuBwi-4Eibnfgt5tLY7dXnzjrH6eWG4OtLxSPKogyQJDIvUDJ6bGhl6hmzwH9jz-N4_dzwiYbOaNTsxYHUMLACg4_RvD5diugzPvUy1vKWof4mnr35hkSdfh0v1_U_4mzsCOeK9kK9SK8T7Go/w640-h360/gzm7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The government's plan here to fight Godzilla is to create a black hole gun! Certainly a novel idea! Can't say it's a smart one though! What if the slightest thing goes wrong and a giant black hole eats the earth? That may not happen, but sure enough <i>something</i> does go wrong, when a prehistoric monster briefly pops into our time to lay its eggs. Blame is an interesting (if unexplored) theme of the movie. Megaguirus is only wreaking havoc because of the heroes, and the kid who found and nurtured the egg. And the very monster they fear, who only shows up because of them, has to clean up their messes.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Dimension Tide project also has good sequel potential. Although one upside to this never happening is it'd be hard overlooking
just how much it's the heroes' fault. Then again, isn't that the very concept of Godzilla? Buuut it might run the risk of overtaking Godzilla in his own movie.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i8OL7EsyN2eMo-RcqSPENx90X7nvU9n1QHwDIeJJXK96E1MqnBeD8-3GPpu-P4qub9GBxK25j-FgN-6LZEDckI49Q55ahSAZxmhUbrQ10qUVQyB1Vm4ENBdeZw8Y4pSjlr9yi-XC92zp9wTJ9-GT8erfNSOPMtV87cO-LGruXi_lZ-8WwP6-aSr6oOOo/s960/gzm2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i8OL7EsyN2eMo-RcqSPENx90X7nvU9n1QHwDIeJJXK96E1MqnBeD8-3GPpu-P4qub9GBxK25j-FgN-6LZEDckI49Q55ahSAZxmhUbrQ10qUVQyB1Vm4ENBdeZw8Y4pSjlr9yi-XC92zp9wTJ9-GT8erfNSOPMtV87cO-LGruXi_lZ-8WwP6-aSr6oOOo/w640-h360/gzm2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While longer than it probably needed to be, the film has a pretty good pace, and never slows down too much. There's a decent amount of monster action later on, though not enough in the first half. The humans keep our attention reasonably. What's weird though is the major flood that happens entirely offscreen. One of the more unique scenes is the Meganula introduction, which feels straight out of a horror movie!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As for tone, this is a fairly serious film, but occasional lightness from the humans stops things from getting too maudlin, and there are a few fun monster scenes. These are amusing, but without going overboard into farce territory. There are many awesome moments on display too, like when Kiriko engages in some Godzilla rock climbing!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX69M94Z3jAd8wDPAUrcsSVYVx6hPVVxa98jbuq9WrudP0v8fv_qnXQQ5BdODlKoQsH6k04fi8qO7sIN4D5aiPOqVNPMZuycKcfKVbnHOvoBDPEmdMStVlopq4xKKtkCVsNMF1Vu2SV04MSOSRPYDBolOsiWnVArb_pgrCcCJ04YwsHCS-DP6MU3i5vit/s960/gzm3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX69M94Z3jAd8wDPAUrcsSVYVx6hPVVxa98jbuq9WrudP0v8fv_qnXQQ5BdODlKoQsH6k04fi8qO7sIN4D5aiPOqVNPMZuycKcfKVbnHOvoBDPEmdMStVlopq4xKKtkCVsNMF1Vu2SV04MSOSRPYDBolOsiWnVArb_pgrCcCJ04YwsHCS-DP6MU3i5vit/w640-h360/gzm3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The dialogue is a hoot sometimes!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">"<span>Don't forget what I told you! It may be big, but it's still just a lizard!"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Emergency, we're being attacked by giant dragonflies!"<br /></div>"What if Godzilla somehow
managed to escape from the black hole we sent him into?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ub9U3rY1oW0W3vdk7v8WrahJxmk-nRYvEc_tqI1WInK79yICX1CvOrq1fgJVGqPTjccOdLyPgtW-aSX7jJrSB8pmGGO5Ic9wNtDyrXWbD-UtGepwJWN7ki92r924C37_BiS27N3gactsweiBlXSFpJNtzXMMRVaVUpRXzYjI9SefGUhR1dFddUB3m_pL/s960/gzm4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ub9U3rY1oW0W3vdk7v8WrahJxmk-nRYvEc_tqI1WInK79yICX1CvOrq1fgJVGqPTjccOdLyPgtW-aSX7jJrSB8pmGGO5Ic9wNtDyrXWbD-UtGepwJWN7ki92r924C37_BiS27N3gactsweiBlXSFpJNtzXMMRVaVUpRXzYjI9SefGUhR1dFddUB3m_pL/w640-h360/gzm4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">While the climax is satisfying, the film has a bizarre
ending. Kiriko is back to see Kudo, enlisting his help for if Godzilla resurfaces. After she playfully bumps his injured arm, Kudo = and she looks concerned, and then it just
stops. No joke, just 'Ow, my arm! Oh no! The End'. We do get a post-credits scene though, bringing Jun
back for a last scene, which would be good. Although this coda is odd
too! I like it in theory, teasing Godzilla's return, but it's all so
abrupt, it gives off the impression Jun's about to be smooshed! Obviously
that's not gonna happen, but that's how it comes off! And since this would never get a direct sequel, none of it is followed up on.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMET5xJIO0B4Pn73zDBhCkXm-ewp0FNPuHubLUee_BEZ-AeqGqLz5vMuZ2UvyXyS7ivqU76LvIXan2TX7k9jqroRZQMWck7i9i1H07QZNwoTBzh9yoP3_DTEii1yAL02kqJOeJL7Sb3ct12QNZd72SIGNwuuQ0KRTSI2nzslxUISvS75rkHMRt9yH_VGSO/s960/gzm8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMET5xJIO0B4Pn73zDBhCkXm-ewp0FNPuHubLUee_BEZ-AeqGqLz5vMuZ2UvyXyS7ivqU76LvIXan2TX7k9jqroRZQMWck7i9i1H07QZNwoTBzh9yoP3_DTEii1yAL02kqJOeJL7Sb3ct12QNZd72SIGNwuuQ0KRTSI2nzslxUISvS75rkHMRt9yH_VGSO/w640-h360/gzm8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The human characters are pretty good. Kiriko is a fine heroine. Like other leads in the Millennium series, she's a gorgeous young girl who's far too much of a supermodel to be believably in the military. Unlike others though, she's not brooding, but more outgoing and chipper. She still has her burden to bear, but she's not gloomy over them the whole movie. Not that that's bad, but it is a breath of fresh air to see the same archetype done differently. She's vengeful towards Godzilla, but not in a way that clouds her judgement, which is refreshing to see.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Robot scientist Kudo is alright, and gets an amusing intro, where Kiriko ruins his magic trick. That bunch of kids are shockingly unimpressed by mini robots! 'Wow, is he magical? Oh no, he's just using amazing robots. Borringgg.'<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYHWl6hjWY6bRdWPG4Rb5TksVfL0qlWQp3Rtf-b9xntOSIf69EWDR71-rX4GLPLQZa2Kq_dwOPPdu7BEmOWp0BvT865MLAqrlDIwy0XBTnX-FblPyQReI7Smh7HroIrYge_fyFyxC2-5MxGigV5pPJ5zwCJnK83XqVddM17uoo2p96hMRhrGqGFrzdXVK/s960/gzm10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYHWl6hjWY6bRdWPG4Rb5TksVfL0qlWQp3Rtf-b9xntOSIf69EWDR71-rX4GLPLQZa2Kq_dwOPPdu7BEmOWp0BvT865MLAqrlDIwy0XBTnX-FblPyQReI7Smh7HroIrYge_fyFyxC2-5MxGigV5pPJ5zwCJnK83XqVddM17uoo2p96hMRhrGqGFrzdXVK/w640-h360/gzm10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The older female scientist is ok, though underused. I was also side-eying her for the whole movie, thinking "Bitch, you act so high and mighty against Godzilla, yet you're the one using the energy that's bringing him back!", before it turned out that was another character alone. That would be head of the anti-Godzilla squad, who isn't one-dimenional, but still an ass, and gets a well-deserved punch at the end!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And last is Jun, a schoolchild with a fascination with bugs. It's he who finds the egg, ditching it in the sewers the moment it gets too gunky. Geez, kid! A point in his favour though is that he immediately goes to the authorities and tells everything once he realises what's going on. And then he disappears for the rest of the movie!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4cpsv95ZJEMlwFaFozU_5sAuPaK3tbha1VuOZFUYSnNzJmXuSHRMci-DfYA8frKEo0azYsnirYMhv01bZfnAKj4XINBoXVni0WBMKx3r_Pgr_cY0C8KDLi7By3DmJenYT6M_vJL7m2OaM8fxg1r4aL90XwF1YgCX0UCiM8NKPLAs2gPiOCGQDzu-NxSm/s960/gzm11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4cpsv95ZJEMlwFaFozU_5sAuPaK3tbha1VuOZFUYSnNzJmXuSHRMci-DfYA8frKEo0azYsnirYMhv01bZfnAKj4XINBoXVni0WBMKx3r_Pgr_cY0C8KDLi7By3DmJenYT6M_vJL7m2OaM8fxg1r4aL90XwF1YgCX0UCiM8NKPLAs2gPiOCGQDzu-NxSm/w640-h360/gzm11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Godzilla is portrayed pretty well, though I have minor quibbles. Since this is another reboot it is a little hard to really get attached to how much of a threat he he is, when he's only attacked like twice, decades apart. Interestingly, the Godzilla here is the original! Since the Oxygen Destroyer was never created in this timeline, he was never killed at the end of that movie, so rather than being another Godzilla in his place, this is the OG kaiju.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2vavBJgWttGFWcD6aZ4CNae0BWMhZHOdSMLJcdELnMKw-nLigCy0TrBM-8Jlt1KcjjsywTIIM0ogqH_G303iRA9YNzrLuvRNSbfDxC2TYybLWpI2tiBwn8FUEb0WJH-pX-CT_HTGpYWzCemvKxFoXPfgzca1KcuPEO4DIouNwUA7UjOtqFeT_hdBzEbn/s960/gzm5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2vavBJgWttGFWcD6aZ4CNae0BWMhZHOdSMLJcdELnMKw-nLigCy0TrBM-8Jlt1KcjjsywTIIM0ogqH_G303iRA9YNzrLuvRNSbfDxC2TYybLWpI2tiBwn8FUEb0WJH-pX-CT_HTGpYWzCemvKxFoXPfgzca1KcuPEO4DIouNwUA7UjOtqFeT_hdBzEbn/w640-h360/gzm5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Regarding his personality, the characters treat Godzilla like he's bad, but really he's only attracted by the nuclear power they'd use, then plasma energy. I know it's unappealing when a neighbour burns down your house because he doesn't like you having baked beans, but there's a simple solution! Godzilla gets no respect! He's forced to deal with a prehistoric insect problem of man's making, and they try and fire a black hole at him!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On that note, Godzilla survives
a black hole being fired at him, for no other reason that he's awesome. Which I
believe, make no mistake. It's just not a very compelling reason
narratively.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While it's understandable at times given his numerous and fast airborne enemies, Godzilla's aim is in poor form! This is until the spectacular final blows however, which are glorious! He gets in some clever moves throughout the movie, which is fun to see. These make for a pretty satisfying monster rumble overall.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMiSpqiUnHgezviYtxrb3ZJnP2U2xE0G870b1o3Q7iSA4twMeTXogsNKl5F6ebhUaHHx3x9basdifX8VsRH8d5uwFKs7OyLq4gu0CPyAZtUkq0TQsyV-iOPfrIk7h6-6USiuZzPE7aBmGYSwIYd6ydZauyZnQ1sBQ7HkjTTmRfZKGN8iuU8FapkyR27L2/s960/gzm13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMiSpqiUnHgezviYtxrb3ZJnP2U2xE0G870b1o3Q7iSA4twMeTXogsNKl5F6ebhUaHHx3x9basdifX8VsRH8d5uwFKs7OyLq4gu0CPyAZtUkq0TQsyV-iOPfrIk7h6-6USiuZzPE7aBmGYSwIYd6ydZauyZnQ1sBQ7HkjTTmRfZKGN8iuU8FapkyR27L2/w640-h360/gzm13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The mystery egg hatches into a swarm of mutant bugs, who pick off a few people before taking on bigger prey. Aside
from their big introduction, they're an afterthought until their battle with Godzilla. It's a great encounter, after which the surviving Meganula retreat with the energy they gathered and give life to their queen. The rest of the swarm is written out in a believable way, leaving us with only one threat-Megaguirus. She's a good threat, and it's not only neat getting a female kaiju, but it's also great how un-female she looks, being an insectoid horror from prehistoric times. She's a sneaky customer, and uses her powers to turn invisible, and get the drop on Godzilla. But he's smart too, and gets the drop on her in some great ways.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast here does a good job. Misato Tanaka is a fine lead as Kiriko, and Shosuke Tanihara is fun as Kudo. Series favourite Yuriko Hoshi is a nice presence, while Suzuki Hiroyuki gives a pretty good child performance. And of course the suit actors do splendidly.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigi_MvJyHtsHLsK_QDfXNEZgYeeMGcMkzsvmvYK3pDRFZaWSlsmJiHkv-c4MDJ61VDIKrg-79gVJA6l1fxxK3k9uoWfcV51nTJN3DPAwUMeLziB5VzJJuMe86-ouaC5hE95BLD9x1Vm21rzw20wZRt47JCYRNeJqBbzdr3sC0BqC_vh889ofGExjje07j5/s960/gzm6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigi_MvJyHtsHLsK_QDfXNEZgYeeMGcMkzsvmvYK3pDRFZaWSlsmJiHkv-c4MDJ61VDIKrg-79gVJA6l1fxxK3k9uoWfcV51nTJN3DPAwUMeLziB5VzJJuMe86-ouaC5hE95BLD9x1Vm21rzw20wZRt47JCYRNeJqBbzdr3sC0BqC_vh889ofGExjje07j5/w640-h360/gzm6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The effects in GvM are pretty standout. There are many great practical elements, from the destruction, to Godzilla himself. He is well designed, with some snazzy new features, while Megaguirus is neat, moving in a reasonably convincing way, some scenes more than others. The miniatures all look great, especially the sunken city, which is also lit gorgeously! The CGI here is more refined and less obvious than in Godzilla 2000, but there are still a few ropey moments. Mostly though it looks fine, and is also used to add some flourishes to the monster action, with mixed results.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And last up, the direction here by Masaaki Tezuka is very good, with many dynamic zoom-ins, character shots, and moments that not only highlight the size of the monsters, but a sense of claustrophobia. Locations are swept through grandly. There are a few odd touches, like frame-by-frame slow motion, but these aren't big deals.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhz4yGUkBaUQOIVSiB7tJUE74wDbfc8fGp84nk46rBjVSu5kK5n_Z4pg7Z4okh0USFDhkyaB6RbPCF4lfCG6krssMEvDZhQyW2A1YTdLvt9XBod5QWrCx12XZbmv1dIJGT2T4esbBx70KcadDaFxRorUjszXxv1Q5STAqx7TtW212a8QK28cwaV5KsQAj/s960/gzm12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhz4yGUkBaUQOIVSiB7tJUE74wDbfc8fGp84nk46rBjVSu5kK5n_Z4pg7Z4okh0USFDhkyaB6RbPCF4lfCG6krssMEvDZhQyW2A1YTdLvt9XBod5QWrCx12XZbmv1dIJGT2T4esbBx70KcadDaFxRorUjszXxv1Q5STAqx7TtW212a8QK28cwaV5KsQAj/w640-h360/gzm12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Godzilla vs. Megaguirus is a flawed but fun entry in the series, and an improvement over the last entry. Things would see a further upswing with the next film, so until then...<br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328381841527790655.post-61506505466937395322023-07-20T20:51:00.000-07:002024-01-06T04:35:04.460-08:00Night of the Howling Beast (1975)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRpSdGvQEsQxUoGfFzGH7JlwXMtXZ7LoKnoYkImEcoFf_tj9zhD82m9nvc8j5QtLMSczKL1h5Dsie_bXpFxjYg04jIRNAVmOhSBxQl-nLHPETYUTqT81BiqXIZRy2TUDdvwViR3mEznjleRfbgx4kdIIy0reHrtFEc7w33xrf_aKfYWZaYs0W6I3lPenL/s691/wy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="490" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRpSdGvQEsQxUoGfFzGH7JlwXMtXZ7LoKnoYkImEcoFf_tj9zhD82m9nvc8j5QtLMSczKL1h5Dsie_bXpFxjYg04jIRNAVmOhSBxQl-nLHPETYUTqT81BiqXIZRy2TUDdvwViR3mEznjleRfbgx4kdIIy0reHrtFEc7w33xrf_aKfYWZaYs0W6I3lPenL/w454-h640/wy.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Waldemar Daninsky is invited by his college professor friend on an
expedition to Tibet/Nepal to find the Yeti, as well as the bodies of another party that went missing on this same search. When all other
paths are snowed in, Waldemar goes against advice and takes a pass feared by locals. He stumbles into
a cave, where he meets a group of strange women. He realises almost too late what they are, and after an attack and narrow escape, he is left cursed to become a werewolf by the light of the moon. He may need this curse though, if he is to fight the other horrors these mountains hold...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSn0nXw5bLt7A5Y3kVxhirh3m491VldLRtf3kuK99DQbOyJW3HuEuuM9s4_tfG0cFlx6ui8Li_yEpM6GoJhcNpheJxXBaapfZkERJm8MTCnW6V60PyaQ01YoaeD9Xkf_t0Ti1le7i2WhvXQpEdioAMYQVYGSE6r0bRhkAeISvPuLaz65JT_Fscdyshbf-/s960/wy1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSn0nXw5bLt7A5Y3kVxhirh3m491VldLRtf3kuK99DQbOyJW3HuEuuM9s4_tfG0cFlx6ui8Li_yEpM6GoJhcNpheJxXBaapfZkERJm8MTCnW6V60PyaQ01YoaeD9Xkf_t0Ti1le7i2WhvXQpEdioAMYQVYGSE6r0bRhkAeISvPuLaz65JT_Fscdyshbf-/w640-h360/wy1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Night of the Howling Beast is the eight (really seventh) in the Hombre Lobo series. Its title
in the original Spanish translates to Curse of the Beast (not to be
confused with Curse of the Devil, aka Retorno de Walpurgis), and is also known
as The Werewolf and the Yeti. All good titles, and reflective of the fun horror movie this is!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film gets off to a brisk start, setting up its story quickly, and jetting the characters from Spain to...Nepal? Or Tibet. It's unclear which they mean, and I'm not sure the writer actually knew the difference. A snowstorm cuts off all other ways to their destination. but as luck would have it it's literally only 5 seconds
before someone comes with news of an alternate route. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's some funny dialogue in this intro.</div><div style="text-align: left;">On their paths being snowed out: "It's not all that bad. We have plenty to drink, and very pleasant company."-"Oh how lucky we'd be if we all felt the same way."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And when that same jerk is droning on about how he won't risk his life trying to rescue Waldemar, Sylvia responds with: "We're not asking you to come. I'm sure that those who come with us are those who haven't forgotten the meaning of the words friendship and loyalty."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU34HzWMCLOglUivH8TH4BgPBarfP87hZirh-RPhHDELM-vaX0q4FS_9QqvzitXd5nw-L6dKDEAyUiLMo8hVkPMt1zXdImGA069q0IlHZ_JPjtKhGgpJ6Ggk2Fc0rzoq-eDZVgkZX-QCuuAyvn8HM3mntUqnaSB7I-M2crzxsk9M9DmrREGNZhOLLPxV0J/s960/wy2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU34HzWMCLOglUivH8TH4BgPBarfP87hZirh-RPhHDELM-vaX0q4FS_9QqvzitXd5nw-L6dKDEAyUiLMo8hVkPMt1zXdImGA069q0IlHZ_JPjtKhGgpJ6Ggk2Fc0rzoq-eDZVgkZX-QCuuAyvn8HM3mntUqnaSB7I-M2crzxsk9M9DmrREGNZhOLLPxV0J/w640-h360/wy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Waldemar is determined to journey along this route, even if he has to go it alone, and there's only one bearer crazy enough to guide him. And here is where the film really gets going!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Night of the Howling Beast has more of an adventure tone than previous entries, but is still horror through-and-through. While the film still has a more than satisfying body count, the
werewolf kills few innocent people. Mostly bandits, monsters, and
creeps. And the rest of the carnage comes courtesy of said bandits and
monsters.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwUHQBTaGvur1Xgsy9D-U4e4lMS_I-SkhmDdy9fpI7Dm1GHObNaZCoFfmzYMTWtoOMpRNHKnnCTik1VbszjnI4UnkPO-aCAQjS9NxRMqRcUP7sYRvPJUFgRj-9zdU41JlY7MEpvdxfOqooAJyxqI6spfqhwiDhu2oYLH9_d0XV440NjlaZtPa5dX5F7_7/s960/wy6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwUHQBTaGvur1Xgsy9D-U4e4lMS_I-SkhmDdy9fpI7Dm1GHObNaZCoFfmzYMTWtoOMpRNHKnnCTik1VbszjnI4UnkPO-aCAQjS9NxRMqRcUP7sYRvPJUFgRj-9zdU41JlY7MEpvdxfOqooAJyxqI6spfqhwiDhu2oYLH9_d0XV440NjlaZtPa5dX5F7_7/w640-h360/wy6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz2ss5ZEgtfrC8Ume2uQ-7j_A3X31Unkp9aW-ryR3Xd5aazzkwFkZkIEDlO-9V6L8GKuBwwUEepjSxrONrZGHXn2QXhHoDnxnbtIen72rGB-WfsIWbPswJfpfrww-2K87MJowr2B4m0F9VAXMx4gtcOrjVrrPUdxrScjxdK0bk7KXHeX_MaG8-IZGUhSF/s960/wy7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz2ss5ZEgtfrC8Ume2uQ-7j_A3X31Unkp9aW-ryR3Xd5aazzkwFkZkIEDlO-9V6L8GKuBwwUEepjSxrONrZGHXn2QXhHoDnxnbtIen72rGB-WfsIWbPswJfpfrww-2K87MJowr2B4m0F9VAXMx4gtcOrjVrrPUdxrScjxdK0bk7KXHeX_MaG8-IZGUhSF/w640-h360/wy7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What's interesting
is the lack of religion or lore to the werewolf curse. It's
supernatural of course, but there's an absence of familiar lines
about Men who are pure of heart, and A werewolf can only be killed by a
woman in love with/willing to die for him. The rules are a little
inconsistent too. Waldemar transforms when night falls, but then stays a wolf
during the bright day, until randomly turning back for dramatic
convenience.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm8gQ4HtBFtU64XZR8z3pzX77EvHtPtFlt1b7rTPnxqLcqejA0xCoULxrsAuxPWQ_8zJQ7JkbXcgPAbEimCxRNnE3Kw3Ac45uBTGHw--wn2YRM4PYrl4XSVPA6WuRcajnyGHxQ8nf1TOUT__nufg29zkr69-zmnsx8YMh-2mGc2ArgPmJZhf7TB0MUjkj/s960/wy10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm8gQ4HtBFtU64XZR8z3pzX77EvHtPtFlt1b7rTPnxqLcqejA0xCoULxrsAuxPWQ_8zJQ7JkbXcgPAbEimCxRNnE3Kw3Ac45uBTGHw--wn2YRM4PYrl4XSVPA6WuRcajnyGHxQ8nf1TOUT__nufg29zkr69-zmnsx8YMh-2mGc2ArgPmJZhf7TB0MUjkj/w640-h360/wy10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Local guide Tiger is a good co-star, often the voice of reason, and a tough guy. I was disappointed that he dies
offscreen! I was also bummed that the two temple dwellers die as well. I
thought the movie had moved beyond needing to boost the bodycount. At least kill 'em onscreen, and give
them that dignity! Larry gets an effective death, begging his friend to put him out of his misery, but not before Waldemar asks a few questions. The way the scene
cuts away it gives the impression that Waldemar made him waffle on so
long he died naturally (and painfully)! This leaves only the professor and the other girl alive beyond the two leads. She's unnecessary, and doesn't add much. Then she gets killed too! I mean,
isn't everyone else dying enough? Holy crap, talk about a bloodthirsty
movie!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE1dWY-PGNSYlu96gvn8K-YiUB9LFyBETeOszJ33NCxZwirYYl0-ih7ypdQMRE8fj1HQFek6EsbSCUp1gin0Ia1GWkZA9D3yg8zMDiSwoebkvSDWB08lE_90_l6ahNmINxoQBWMwakQAaaBYZjIvaKm-eM0_WKiWiC-w1n_nJ5ZCvdZ0SpLwJqi_leSc2/s960/wy12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE1dWY-PGNSYlu96gvn8K-YiUB9LFyBETeOszJ33NCxZwirYYl0-ih7ypdQMRE8fj1HQFek6EsbSCUp1gin0Ia1GWkZA9D3yg8zMDiSwoebkvSDWB08lE_90_l6ahNmINxoQBWMwakQAaaBYZjIvaKm-eM0_WKiWiC-w1n_nJ5ZCvdZ0SpLwJqi_leSc2/w640-h360/wy12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Night of the Howling Beast has a real edge to it. Not only does the film not hold back, but you also
leave with the impression that, as much as a downer as the movie's
events can be, the heroes really did make an impact. They didn't
just swan into a bad situation and make things worse.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's plenty of action here, not only monster-human and monster-monster, but we get some gunfights, punch-ups, and swordplay. I laughed at the end of the bandit attack on the expedition, where the survivors thought process is basically 'We know we fought back and killed half a dozen of you, but we're out of ammo now. We surrender!'.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp2KkT75HdKnV0F3moX-82I0jfSjHXicH0_E2jm0Mnqki7PR48BC0qWUB3yxf20_wYV_DBQS85GA5_45-Koc9uzwneAaXo8h5y-xAPTVrgthLGNpATReDktubwiCMp2zuKmon3cYMSRHflq1tzYdJ9Dx35GXLY5ux-K0AE5sUGo-DeIqJN59DuVRjgEiD/s960/wy3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp2KkT75HdKnV0F3moX-82I0jfSjHXicH0_E2jm0Mnqki7PR48BC0qWUB3yxf20_wYV_DBQS85GA5_45-Koc9uzwneAaXo8h5y-xAPTVrgthLGNpATReDktubwiCMp2zuKmon3cYMSRHflq1tzYdJ9Dx35GXLY5ux-K0AE5sUGo-DeIqJN59DuVRjgEiD/w640-h360/wy3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The climax is enjoyable. We're introduced to a young princess n this final act, and it's she and her fellow captives who take care of the witch, while Waldemar is otherwise occupied with the bandit king. It's a good fight, but the discovery of the professor's body in the same spike pit the villain is hurled into really deflates the victorious moment.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxOe9_hYgl55GJfjzJInx9GHFTauMRd6w8n81IwTKzdNyxxUn1xDa8bU0QCm8U7GDVEyr3bWRg9pwg0IpBILdH2560dgRK2qI7HZW6YoR79f9sfiVC7VueoCRZm62m2naa3Mib5UuqeikJtmwFAT0L29SPTaEgb-pUmARh5IhlsfJ9o8Z9GR21ivi5baw/s960/wy5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxOe9_hYgl55GJfjzJInx9GHFTauMRd6w8n81IwTKzdNyxxUn1xDa8bU0QCm8U7GDVEyr3bWRg9pwg0IpBILdH2560dgRK2qI7HZW6YoR79f9sfiVC7VueoCRZm62m2naa3Mib5UuqeikJtmwFAT0L29SPTaEgb-pUmARh5IhlsfJ9o8Z9GR21ivi5baw/w640-h360/wy5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At this point you're probably wondering why the yeti hasn't been mentioned yet. Well that's because he's an afterthought until the final few minutes! After another transformation, Waldemar just happens to stumble into a yeti, and they duke it out while Sylvia does her own thing.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like with many Hombre Lobo entries, this suffers from a problem of
plenty. Night of the Howling Beast could have easily been two movies!
One a violent adventure in bandit mountains, and the other about an
expedition with yetis, werewolves, and witchy women. Squishing the two
together doesn't do either story any favours. The werepire women die
almost immediately, the witch doesn't show up till the last 20 minutes,
and then there's the yeti, or lack thereof!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno2bmWqQYy7p68mUsizbix66aquoOQP1C2iS9VXT0CDjQdxbugyPgQ0xMn_qiznGcy8A5j3XfYDtLBaRJc-AI1X9CgUxHRmhy7xjiv6pliBURo7vWCfjs7ysCJM6fZl5TRN-LjrnWWQs6Nps-VMcRLcX7P5-GCxqidquaJ646kxuy3s9s15RJGX57GyIL/s960/wy9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno2bmWqQYy7p68mUsizbix66aquoOQP1C2iS9VXT0CDjQdxbugyPgQ0xMn_qiznGcy8A5j3XfYDtLBaRJc-AI1X9CgUxHRmhy7xjiv6pliBURo7vWCfjs7ysCJM6fZl5TRN-LjrnWWQs6Nps-VMcRLcX7P5-GCxqidquaJ646kxuy3s9s15RJGX57GyIL/w640-h360/wy9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's here where we mention the most unique aspect to Howling Beast-The ending. Waldemar Daninsky has a bad habit of tragically dying each movie. Just when you think he might make it out ok, a twist of fate strikes him down, and he must die to end his curse and save whatever loved ones are left alive. Here though? He <i>survives</i>! This really adds to the charm of the resetting continuity of the Hombre Lobo series. Just because one entry (or indeed 11 of them) have sad endings, doesn't mean they all have to! Admittedly the release of his curse has less impact when this is the 7th
reboot in the series. 'At last, I'm free of the affliction that's been
plaguing me for a few days!'. But this isn't a big deal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The
effects here can be cheesy, but are good! This is one of the gorier Hombre Lobo films, with several great instances. Not all convincing, but all brutal and potentially wince-inducing! The werewolf
make-up is great as usual, with neat hair and great teeth! The transformations are good too, even if they cheat a couple of times. The
werepire women meanwhile have a more subtle and stripped back design
when they transform, but still good. And the yeti is alright, but a bit shaggier and low-rent.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKApKVUsgRSFGDckpPjxZ04yVqSFDM0N_ZNUpcG9t3Njk_A0MQARxMph_EWhmeeXaFwFKY7clkgNUhi4nwKoCLRWx0B7T5HoLA9T2COiOrSpEWyWeLCzZy3nQ_b3-ByyBnV3zp2Uz8E2gtXvTHBgrDWEDbjsGAxwzjfLi4bgfdvq_TXtG_JnWCcgVVYCHM/s960/wy4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKApKVUsgRSFGDckpPjxZ04yVqSFDM0N_ZNUpcG9t3Njk_A0MQARxMph_EWhmeeXaFwFKY7clkgNUhi4nwKoCLRWx0B7T5HoLA9T2COiOrSpEWyWeLCzZy3nQ_b3-ByyBnV3zp2Uz8E2gtXvTHBgrDWEDbjsGAxwzjfLi4bgfdvq_TXtG_JnWCcgVVYCHM/w640-h360/wy4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The location work is great too! If you're wondering how Paul Naschy, whose productions were never given budgets as large as he'd have liked, could afford to go to Nepal, well it doesn't. The rolling mountain peaks of Spain substitute, and they look quite good! I mean, they're snowy, they're mountainous, what more do you want? There are some less Wintery areas, which might look unconvincing, but that's actually pretty true to life in places like this (which should be obvious, since this is still filmed on location in a mountain, just not <i>that</i> one). And as for the sets themselves, they're good, from the humble temples, to the Khan's grand palace.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgdPCFC8TU_3p8cjjGN8CCzGnAI8q5PbnB2KC7jNGMS-k_yu_e9cjQwFP9zqlRv9HpljeD3QWjhDuINHsR-6BA1Z2xDvg9ugiUXgCmuyfMrI23Y9mbWynX28l34fr88QPh8HMku7i9ZjJeAyUg4YMC2kww49GqG556zULtP8ADQ0hw0Xz87M45KD61Xkd/s960/wy13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgdPCFC8TU_3p8cjjGN8CCzGnAI8q5PbnB2KC7jNGMS-k_yu_e9cjQwFP9zqlRv9HpljeD3QWjhDuINHsR-6BA1Z2xDvg9ugiUXgCmuyfMrI23Y9mbWynX28l34fr88QPh8HMku7i9ZjJeAyUg4YMC2kww49GqG556zULtP8ADQ0hw0Xz87M45KD61Xkd/w640-h360/wy13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The music here is very good! There are some great spooky tunes, and action-packed tracks, and the score also has some Tibetan-infused bells, which give a really immersive and authentic feel.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cast here is a good one, and pretty big! Naschy is a fine lead, and captures the wolf man's fury very well under the make-up. Mercedes Molina is a good love interest, and Luis Induni and Silvia Solar are fun villains, despite their brief screentime. There are some brown-skinned Spaniards passing themselves off as Nepalese, and honestly not looking too unconvincing, then there are some real ones (or Asians of some kind). There are plenty of sexy babes here too, often nude, and doing great butt wiggling. Credit must go to the stuntwork too, which includes some great dives!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga92ToRa-Mxs9tONPOoowtc6Na6YxAT13lum4g4TNNRwazWIxfnJhwWxsDFB0KyrbactO2mNp59BgkD0FhNOgOqOxq0BjCXX_8XwcDg3OsmYVvIbp79GEx6laFNkVhteBPVRBJqgTWMmJEFjowFLL9NOY0nMlRO9C7H202wRTdTribRVCWMFxd3dNC9HjX/s960/wy11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga92ToRa-Mxs9tONPOoowtc6Na6YxAT13lum4g4TNNRwazWIxfnJhwWxsDFB0KyrbactO2mNp59BgkD0FhNOgOqOxq0BjCXX_8XwcDg3OsmYVvIbp79GEx6laFNkVhteBPVRBJqgTWMmJEFjowFLL9NOY0nMlRO9C7H202wRTdTribRVCWMFxd3dNC9HjX/w640-h360/wy11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Night
of the Howling Beast is remembered as not only one of the best in the
Hombre Lobo series, but one of Paul Naschy's best films overall. I agree. It's a great time to be had for any horror fans out there!...<br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741427091462959802noreply@blogger.com0