The Doom Generation (1995) Written and Directed by:Gregg Araki

   


     This is one of those mind-f*ck Generation X movies that is done in a really cool way, but you're left wondering how it all really fits together.

     This film stars Rose McGowan in what I believe to be her first real lead role playing the gothy Amy Blue. Amy is hardcore from head to toe and knows how to lead the guys on. Amy and here boyfriend, Jordan White, played by James Duval, set off on an "epic" adventure fueled by sex, drugs, rock n' roll, and all things containing 666.

     Along the way the come across the hitchhiking Xavier Red, played by Johnathon Schaech. He is older than Jordan, and very appealing to Amy. Director Gregg Araki blends sexual tension and witty banter very well.

     After a bizarre love triangle developed, our group of three stumble across some neo-nazis that swear they know Amy. Amy however, has no clue who they are. Later, the three are cornered by these Nazis and all of them are raped before our three are able to kill them. This of course changes the mind sets of our group and they submit to the reality that has so harshly presented itself to them.
   
     The trip is met with the likes of Perry Farrell, Skinny Puppy, Dustin Nguyen, Christopher Knight, Nicky Katt, and Parker Posey. A virtual who's who of the times. This is one psychedelic piece of film greatness. The absolute on-point performance of Rose McGowan made her an instant heart throb of Gen-X guys and girls.

     This is definitely a long, strange trip, but it is worth the watch. Not suitable for anyone under 16 due to drug use, sex, violence, and rape. You might want to have a few drinks before starting this one.

Tusk (2014) Written and Directed by:Kevin Smith

   


     I have no idea what to say about this crazy film. Kevin Smith has left me with no words. Seriously, what hell have I watched? That being said, it was kind of awesome!

     This is the story of two pod casters played by Justin Long (Wallace)  and Haley Joel Osment (Teddy), one of whom, Wallace decides to venture to Canada to conduct an interview with Howard Howe. Howe (Michael Parks), is a very strange short who, shortly after meeting Wallace, drugs him to the point of unconsciousness.

     Once Wallace awakens, he is terrified to learn that Howe plans to transform Wallace into a living Walrus! Yes, you read that right, a walrus! This whole story turns sideways at this point and goes in a direction you definitely would not expect. The majority of the film is the dialog between Wallace and Howe. And the funny thing is, in the end, I don't feel sorry for Wallace. He is kind of a dick.

     Anyway, after some time has past and Teddy hasn't heard from Wallace, he and girlfriend Ally contact detective Guy LaPointe, played by an unrecognizable Johnny Depp. This bumbling idiot savant helps track down Wallace to Howes home. Unfortunately, once they reach Wallace, it's too late. Howe has managed to completely metamophosize Wallace into a living Walrus!

     This film is insane and also keeps you glued to your seat out of sheer curiosity. This is definitely out of Kevin Smith's wheel house, but as usual, he delivers. The cinematography is superb. The direction and acting are so spot on. Sometimes I wonder how many takes they have to do before all of the actors can get a scene without laughing their asses off! Not exactly sure how I should recommend this. I guess it's ok for anyone over 15? It's just that level of divine insanity. Loved It!

Halloween (1978) Written by:John Carpenter & Debra Hill Directed by:John Carpenter

         


     Sneaking up from the backseat of my mom's car, I got my first look at that lifeless, emotionless mask. My mother and my aunt took me to the local drive-in to see Conan the Barbarian, which was being shown as a double feature with Halloween. I couldn't have been more than five years old, so I was supposed to lay down and go to sleep after Conan. Instead, I found myself instantly, and forever drawn to that iconic opening music. I can say that this film forever changed my life, and to this day, remains one of my favorites of all time.

     On Halloween night 1963, young Michael Myers, dressed as a clown, butchers his sister for seemingly unknown reasons. For this, he is confined to the Smith's Grove Sanitarium and treated by Dr. Loomis, played by horror legend Donald Pleasence! Fifteen years later, Michael (Nick Castle) escapes and sets out to kill his niece, Laurie. The character of Laurie is played by, an introduces the world to, the beautiful, original scream queen, Jamie Lee Curtis.

     After the horrific events of Halloween 1963, Laurie was put up for adoption and taken in by the Strodes. Ironically, the Strodes also live in Haddonfield, the town Michael lived in as a child. Michael returns to his home in a search for Laurie, and is willing to go through anyone to get to her. Classmates Annie (Nancy Kyes), and Lynda (P.J. Soles) serve as attractive fodder for the killing machine, both in very memorable death scenes.

     Written and directed by the Master of Horror, John Carpenter, this film redefined the horror genre. Sadistic, relentless, and without emotion, this killer is on an unstoppable rampage. He kills without a sound, without warning, and without showing a drop of blood. That's right, not one scene that actually shows blood!

     Carpenter also brilliantly uses his musical compositions to create suspense in ways I've never experienced since. A calming undertone, broken by deep, sharp piano keys as the killer rises from the dead, over and over in his quest to kill Laurie. The main theme music still brings cold chills to my skin to this day. The dark, monotone colors of the sets, behind the gray jump suit and plain white mask of "The Shape", as Michael is referred to in the script, lends to the erie ambiance of the night. The colors and shadows act as a camouflage to hide Michael and make it easier for him to attack.

     Although Carpenter has delivered time and time again, this still stands out as his masterpiece. At least in my opinion. With the aid of his writing partner, Debra Hill, and rookie producer Moustapha Akkad, Carpenter's story has lasted and been expanded countless times. He has created the ultimate Boogeyman!

     I love this film and think everyone should watch it. That being said, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under the age 14 as there is a lot of violence and a small amount of nudity. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the last 35 years.

The Woodsman (2004) Written By:Steven Fechter & Nicole Kassell Directed by:Nicole Kassell

   

     This is one of those movies that can change your perspective. It makes you feel something, and not usually a "good" something. An indie that stands out from the rest.

     Kevin Bacon plays Walter, a recently released pedophile trying to reintegrate into society. This has to be one of Bacon's absolute best performances. Constantly, throughout this film he makes you feel sorry for him and his situation. Then you snap back and realize that not matter what he is going through, he molested children! Then you feel like shit for feeling sorry for him!

     Walter is freed and goes about trying to find work. He ends up at a logging mill where he meets Vicki, played by his real life wife, Kyra Sedgwick. She defends him when the other workers find out about him, and I think she ends up falling for him despite his conviction. Walter is a master manipulator.

     There is also the struggle between Walter and his sister and her husband, played by Benjamin Bratt. Bratt is kind of trying to help Walter along even though Walter can not live with them because of their children.

     This is really a great film. The subject matter is hard to deal with, but thats really because the performances are done extravagantly. This film also stars David Allen Grier, Eve, Mos Def, and Michael Shannon. It is a must watch! I wouldn't suggest this to anyone under 16, simply due to the subject matter. I can not say enough good things about this film. I know you will love it.

The Punisher (2017) Netflix series Created by:Steve Lightfoot

   

     I know this is not a movie, but I think I'm going to broaden my horizons. No need for a real nerd to leave out such excellent stories as the comic book series' on Netflix and other providers. That being said, watch this series!!!!

     Jon Bernthal was born to play this role. I haven't always liked him in the films I've seen him in, but he is really very good in this. The Punisher, in my opinion has always been given weird attention. Either too much praise or not enough. The Thomas Jane version was not well received, although I thought his performance was superb. The story may have been lacking, but his performance was not. This time you get a great performance combined with a Garth Ennis style writing of his character. Bernthal delivers on the Ennis type genius with a performance that is both violent and saddening.

     The Ennis story line took place in Vietnam whereas this version is updated to Afghanistan. As usual, Marvel studios takes some liberties with some of the lesser known characters, but nothing too out of line. There is also a political aspect to this series that is very well done and surprising. I also love the foreshadowing we are fed throughout the series. Like Billy always commenting or being told about his good looks. Fans of the comic will easily be able to guess what lies in his future.

     We do get revisit many characters from other Marvel Netflix series like Karen Page, Detective Mahoney, and Turk Barrett. We also are introduced to the brilliant Micro. And finally he is done so very well as to make us comic fans happy. There are great parallels drawn between Frank and Micro in this series. It sets up a great brotherhood between the two thats not always so easily seen.

     This series is a full 13 episodes, but is really well done, much like the other Netflix series'. There is some pretty extreme violence, which brought about many protests, so its not for the young or feint of heart. Definitely not for anyone under 15. I hope you don't expect any filler episodes here, it is a thrill ride from beginning to end. Very highly recommended.

Chaplin (1992) written by:David Robinson & Charles Chaplin Directed by:Richard Attenborough

   


     A complete masterpiece of both acting and storytelling. In what may have been the lowest point in the life of Robert Downey Jr., comes what may be the best performance of his career. A true gem of a film.

     This film follows both the film career and private life of silent film star Charlie Chaplin. It gives an insight on his crazily hilarious films, his troubled life with his mother, his many romantic relationships, and his banishment from the United States for his disagreements with J. Edgar Hoover.

     You get to see the young life of Charlie in England. His rough upbringing with a mother who suffered with schizophrenia, played by Geraldine Chaplin. You do get the sense that family had a huge impact on him, he even hired his brother as his manager.

     The film also follows Chaplin's obsession with teenage girls, which he would almost always marry. Many times these young brides would be his co-stars. Each time ending and causing a type of misery within Chaplin's life until he met Oona O'Neil, played wonderfully by Moira Kelly.

     We have become spoiled by the constant good performances of Robert Downey Jr. Over the years he has delivered over and over, no matter what troubles he was going through personally. That being said, this could easily be his best performance. Weirdly, it was not widely received. The film was not critically acclaimed, and has still not been made popular by his fans. When you get a close-up, you can see the pain in Downey's eyes. He puts himself into this film like I've never seen him do before. If there has ever been a snub by the Oscars, it was this. Sorry Denzel.

     I would highly recommend this film to anyone over 14 due to some light sexuality. You want to be able to sit back and absorb everything this film has to offer. You will be greatly rewarded.

Justice League (2017) Written by:Chris Terrio & Joss Whedon Directed by:Zack Snyder & Joss Whedon

   

     Definitely could have been a lot better, but not total crap. I was hoping for more story and what I got was too much CG. Marvel has shown us what top of the line CG looks like, I would expect DC to do the same. Unfortunately, the special effects looked like they were done in 2010.

     I did really like the way Batman moved. I know that was all CG also, but that was done pretty well. Steppenwolf, however, was done horribly. He looked like a stripped down version of the Orcs from the first Lord of the Rings movie.
 
     Ezra Miller as the Flash was pretty cool. I still would have rather seen the guy from the CW show. I guess the big surprise for me, after having seen the previews, was that Aquaman wasn't as bad as I expected. The previews lead me to believe that he was going to be portrayed like some surfer-frat boy. There were a couple of scenes where that was accurate. But for the most part he just seemed like they took a few different version of Aquaman from different comic and mashed them together. To me it seemed liked he just enjoyed battle. He got a real kick out of kicking ass. I liked that he seemed to not really care about the surface dwellers. He was cocky, but I think it was because he hadn't fully taken the reins of Atlantis.

     Cyborg was fun to watch, but still wasn't done very well. I did enjoy his character though. I was happy to eventually see his classic form. He and the Flash made a cool alliance, probably because they were the newbies. They also did keep with Wonder Woman being the badass that she is in the books.

     I guess this is just the typical Zack Snyder film done all over again. It seems that Warner Brothers and DC believe he can do no wrong. This theory isn't going to hold fans attention much longer. His direction of the action is really good, but his story telling is subpar and should be viewed as such. We, as comic book fans, need to hold these studios to a higher standard.

     I know there are a lot of people who blame Joss Whedon for ruining Snyders film. That this movie would have been much better if it was finished by Snyder. While I think the film would have definitely been different, I can't say if it would have been better. Hopefully we will be given the chance to see Snyders version, along with an extended cut of this version when it hits blu-ray.

     I guess, overall, it's not horrible, but it's also just not that good. I'm sure that DC will put out a directors cut on blu-ray and it will a bunch of additional footage that will make the film better. I say, save your money for that. It's appropriate for anyone over 10 years of age. Oh, and there are 2 end-credit scenes, So stay in your seats!

The Devil's Rain (1975) Written by:Gabe Esso & James Ashton Directed by:Robert Fuest

   


     Holy Sh*te!!!! This movie right here. Not even sure what I can say about this glorified piece of crap. I will say, my 17 year old son and I did laugh between asking ourselves what the hell we were watching. Even for the time, and budget, this was horrible.

     So there are Satanist who can melt people? I guess? Somewhere out in the boonies there is a cult, lead by Ernest Borgnine who melt people as a sacrifice. They can change form and make your eyes turn to flames on the inside? I just couldn't really follow this because the story was so disjointed and bad. They had a stellar cast for the era, John Travolta, Tom Skerrit, William Shattner; but even these guys couldn't save this movie. Makes me wonder what the company did to get these guys to sat yes to this?

     I will say that my son and I were excited to see that this was being released on blu-ray a few weeks ago. Not sure it's worth the money, but I'll probably end up buying it anyway. I honestly would only recommend this to those who really like horrible cult b-movies. No one else. Seriously!

Mallrats (1995) Written and Directed by:Kevin Smith

   


     I'm so sorry that it has taken me this long to review a Kevin Smith film!!! And it can be argued, but I still think that Mallrats is a great, hilarious film! It is still my favorite of Mr. Smith's library, and I believe it is very underrated.

     Critics absolutely hated this movie and it just goes to show that most of them do not understand the Generation X perspective. These critics didn't hang out in malls, or f*ck around all day. We did! And it's obvious that Kevin did. I really find Kevin and his films very relatable, personally.

     This movie follows TS (Jeremy London) and his bumbling yet lovable pal Brody (Jason Lee) as they try to win back TS's girlfriend who has volunteered to be a contestant on her fathers dating game show, which just happens to be taking place in the local mall. Both of our male characters have lost their better halves and set out on a mission to win them back. Brandi, Claire Forlani, feeling guilty after the original female contestant dies, "mid backstroke", in a pool after TS tells the girl that the tv cameras add 10 pounds, postpones a planned trip to Florida with TS where he had planned on purposing to Brandi at Universal Studios when Jaws pops out of the water.

     Along the way you meet the likes of Jay and Silent Bob, played by Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith himself. They are the two comedic fools "hired" to insure that the show never happens. You also come across the likes of Gwen, played by the beautiful Joey Lauren Adams, Rene (Brody's ex) played by Shannen Doherty, Shannon Hamilton played by Ben Affleck, Willam played by the great Ethan Suplee, Mr. Svenning played by Michael Rooker, and Mr. Excelsior himself, Stan Lee!

     Each character lending to the uproarious happenings at this New Jersey Mall. We discover that Stan Lee is signing autographs, Rene has been propositioned by Brody's nemesis Shannon Hamilton (proprietor of the store The Fashionable Male), Willam is trying desperately to see a sailboat, Gwen is driving us guys insane with her shopping ways, and Mr. Svenning and his daughter Brandi are involved in the earlier mentioned game show. And remember kids, never trust a man offering chocolate covered pretzels!

     This movie is the comic book nerds "Mission Impossible"! So many comic references and exploits! I can not express how much I love this movie and how important it is to me.  It made me realize that there were a lot of other people out there like me, and that maybe I wasn't the odd man out. Thanks for that Kevin.

     The dialog and banter is so well written by Smith. He is a modern day wordsmith. You can tell that Kevin Smith understands the modern love story for nerds. He writes from a personal place and from the heart. This is a truly great film for comic fans, and anyone who loves well written stories. I would recommend this for anyone over the age of 13. I just wish Smith could have found a way to incorporate Randel from Clerks into this film. I would have loved to have seen a scene with Randel and Brody going back and forth.

Watchmen (2009) Written by:Alan Moore Directed by:Zack Snyder

   


     The Watchmen. Based on the award winning graphic novel by Alan Moore, was not the best book to film transition. While the film as a stand alone entity is pretty good, nothing written by Alan Moore has been brought to life in a way that would make the author, or a true fan, approve and happy. I'll never understand why these film companies are so afraid to go by the source material.

     The story takes place in 1985 in a world where heroes used to exist. The government established a law against masked "vigilantes" which forced most of them into retirement. Then, the unexpected murder of a former mask sends an unlikely hero back into action to find his killer. This film is so dark and gritty, it gives a Gotham feel, and I love that. Also, the changed ending makes more sense for the film. You could not have had the same creature and still had the film make sense.

     Superb special effects, great action, and an acceptable screenplay by David Hayter, makes the vision of Zack Snyder a very enjoyable film for all of us who can differentiate between the book and the movie. The casting was done very well with Jackie Earl Haley playing Rorschach, Malin Ackerman as Silk Spectre, Billy Crudup as Dr. Manhatten, Patrick Wilson as Night Owl, and Jeffery Dean Morgan as the Comedian. I enjoyed the soothing voice that came with Dr. Manhatten (Crudup). He developed a side to the character that I didn't anticipate. While Haley delivered a once in a lifetime performance in the dark, violent, Rorschach.

      We also had the very beautiful and talented Carla Gugino as the original Silk Spectre, Matthew Goode as Ozymandias, the always great Stephen McHattie as Hollis Mason, and Max Headroom himself, Matt Fewer as Moloch. This cast was unbelievable!!! Snyder really pulled the best for this one.

     While there are direct from page to screen scenes, the beauty and darkness of this film does show off, what I believe to be, the limits of Zack Snyder's directing chops. I do understand that many films have to cut sorce material for time restrictions, the final battle from the book was completely altered for the film. However, in defense of both Snyder and Hayter, the giant monster would not have made much sense in the film.

     Luckily, we are at a point where Warner Brothers has released and Ultimate Cut of the film. This rarity offers lots of ingrained, previously cut footage. It also intertwines the comic book within the comic book into the movie. I do very much enjoy the character development and the interactions and conflicts which are shown more in depth in this cut of the film.

     Overall I'd say this movie should definitely be in every nerds collection! There is even a great box set that inserts the Black Freighter novel into the film. This is a really a great movie. Suggested for anyone over the age of 14.

Evil Dead (1981) Written and Directed by:Sam Raimi

   

     Ah, The Evil Dead! Such an outstanding, and weird piece of film glory! This film, I will say, is definitely not for everyone. It is, however, a true cult classic and one of the first really successful low budget films of modern times.

     Sam Rami and Bruce Campbell, with a budget of around $350,000 made this goofy horror film, and turned a profit of $2,400,000 in just two years. It has made so much more since and much of it's success, I believe, came from it's NC-17 rating. It caused a stir and made young people clammer to see it. It was the strongest rating for a non-pornographic film to date. Evil Dead is still banned in several countries around the world.

     This film introduced the world to the quirky Sam Rami, and "the Chin" himself, Bruce Campbell. This power couple, along with Sam's brother Ted, became sort of a B-Movie power house; producing films like "The Man with the Screaming Brain", "Evil Dead 2", and "Army of Darkness". And while Bruce did achieve some minor success with television programs like "The Adventures of Brisco County Jr." and "Burn Notice", it wasn't until the 2002 Spider-Man trilogy that Sam Rami became a household name. Even in this huge budgeted franchise, Rami remained loyal casting Bruce in small, but significant role in each of the three films.

     Evil Dead laughed a trilogy of goof-horror that is beloved by many. It has even recently been transferred into a television series, "Ash vs. the Evil Dead", where Ash (Campbell) continues his crusade against the deadites who were first spawned in the original film.

     This is seriously a great film. Sam Rami shows the promise of a budding directorial genius, and Bruce Campbell delivers on a quirky, somewhat dimwitted hero. I would recommend this for everyone, except there is that scene where the evil spirit posses a tree and rapes a woman with its vines. Because of that alone, I wouldn't recommend this for anyone under 14. I know it's got a rough rating (NC-17) but I feel that it isn't really deserving of that. It would get an "R" if it came out today.

Elf (2003) Written by:David Berenbaum Directed by:Jon Favreau

   


     So I decided to review Elf because I can't just review movies that I like. And I am well aware that this will ruffle some feathers, because I honestly despise this movie!

     Let me start by confessing that not only do I hate Christmas movies (A Christmas Story aside), I also am not a fan of Will Ferrell. And this movie is the perfect example of why. I will not say that Mr. Ferrell is not a talented actor, I just don't care for his style of comedy. It's ok to play the dumb, clueless guy, but don't take that role too over-the-top. His performance in "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" was pretty good. He was still clueless, but in a sweet, toned down kind of way.

     Then we come to James Cann. I've always liked him, but even he was unbearable in this film. I can't quite put my finger on why I disliked his performance, maybe it was just the film? I guess that Jon Favreau was able to bring a good sense of direction to this yule log crap. The one bright point of this movie was the stunning and multi-talented beauty of Zooey Deschanel. She always seems to bring a smile to my face with her awkwardness and big, beautiful eyes. Am I rambling about her? So what if I am? I had to sit through 97 minutes of shit, so you're lucky I don't write pages about Ms. Deschanel!

     Anyway, I digress. Let's also say that I understand why Buddy was dismissed! Elf or not, how in the world are you gonna eat spaghetti with maple syrup? And it was stupid things like that that make this "cult classic" so horrible. I know so many people who love this movie, but it just makes me question their judgement. Not sure I can trust someone about movies if they name this among their favorites!

     Some of the more bright spots of the film come by way of great cameos by Ed Asner as Santa, Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart, Faizon Love, Andy Ritcher, Kyle Glass, Artie Lange, and what is definitely the best scene in the movie Peter Dinklage as an executive repeatedly accused of being an elf until a fight breaks out and he beats the hell out of Buddy.

     In summation, I can see why people love this film and why it seems to air on every damn channel during the holidays. It's just not for me. I would recommend this to any child of an age of understanding. And I guess adults who love Christmas. Bah Humbug!

Psycho (1960) Written by:Robert Bloch Directed by:Alfred Hitchcock

   

     Alfred Hitchcock has left us in terrified suspense for decades with the 1960's Psycho, and possibly his best work ever. Still makes women uneasy in the shower! I love it!!!

     Janet Leigh plays a secretary that runs off with her bosses money and ends up in a roadside motel trying to avoid a thunderstorm. The motel is run by a seemingly polite and quiet young man named Norman who takes a liking to the beautiful Ms. Leigh. That's when the craziness begins.

     Norman is terrorized by his over bearing mother who demoralizes Norman and his attraction to the lovely, young lady staying in bungalow #1. Then, in the most iconic shower scene ever filmed, Norman's "mother" murders the secretary. This scene is so beautifully shot. Sometimes its hard to notice the artistic angles and shots because of the horrific violence going on, but it is definitely there.

     Mayhem is afoot at the Bates Motel. The stunning contrast of the black and white picture sets off the conflict between Norman and his mother so beautifully that Hitchcock will always be remembered as one of the few true geniuses of suspense cinema.

     Anthony Perkins takes parts of the gory, true story of Ed Gein, one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. While this isn't a telling of the actual Gein murders, it is drawn from a few of the accounts. Ed Gein butchered, cannibalized, and made suits from women's skin. Police also found the remains of his dead mother in a locked room on the upper level of his home. Scattered throughout the Gein home was a mass of skeletal remains, dishes made of human bone, and furniture and light shades made from human bone and skin. Perkins gives the feeling that he honestly could relate to mental illness. Not sure how he could have gotten into that character otherwise.

     Perkins, a young actor at the time, gives an absolutely stunning performance as Norman, and continued to play this character for three more films. I believe him to be one of the most underrated actors of a generation as he so accurately portrays the creepy, slightly off tilt Norman. He seems to be able to make you feel sorry for him, even after you discover his horrible secret.

     Hitchcock really delves into the darkest reaches of the human mind with this film. He tries to show the human side of Norman and the struggle he has within himself. I love the twist from the innocent looking Ms. Leigh and her cash caper, to the twisted world lurking in the Bates Motel. His cinematic work was unrivaled for the time, and he always found a way to keep the viewer on the edge of their seats with his close-ups and camera angles. A true master of the craft.

     This movie is a classic and can be viewed by anyone over the age of 12, if you can get them to watch a black and white film. Definitely one of my favorite films of all time and a "must have" in any film collection.

Death Race 2000 (1975) Written by:Robert Thom & Charles Griffith Directed by:Paul Bartel

   


     Ah, the 1975 Roger Corman classic, Death Race 2000! A true gem of classic B-Movie cinema. To this day I still calculate potential points. This film was so fun and different. I still have a great time every time I watch this. This is B-Movie genius that you can always count on from Corman. Grab your popcorn, and get ready for a ride!

     David Carrodine stars as Frankenstein, the most famous, and mysterious race car drive in the United Corporation of America. This race, set in the dystopian future, is to be Frankenstein's last. He is pitted up against the like of Sylvester Stallone, Martin Kove (Master of the Cobra-Kai dojo in the Karate Kid), and Roberta Collins in this cross-country race where the winner is decided by the points accumulated from the hitting and killing of pedestrians. Different point values are given to different "classes" of people such as the elderly, teens, and babies in strollers.

     It's so cheesy that it's great! From the lore behind Frankenstein's "bionic" body parts, to the over the top line delivery by Sly Stallone as Machine Gun Joe, in some of his earliest work. My favorite scene is when this hospital decides to wheel all of their dying or terminally ill patients into the street as a sacrifice to Frankenstein. However, when Frankenstein arrives and sees what the doctors and nurses have done, he decides to accumulate less points and drives through the hospital killing all of the caregivers! Maybe that's just my sick sense of humor?

     This was such an original idea and Corman always seems drawn to those kinds of scripts. He is the king of low budget films and always seems to be able to draw stars into these films. The extremely low budget of the films that Corman produces never seem to deter him from stepping in their and making the best film possible. The design of the cars in this film were great, although at times you can tell that portions or add-ons are made of plastic or wood and then painted. Even the blood looks like buckets of basic red paint.

     If you have the kind of warped sense of humor as I do, this is laugh out loud funny, from beginning to end. There is a lot of extreme violence and some nudity, so I definitely wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 14. And, on a side note, this was recently remade and is now called "Death Race 2050". It is a pretty good remake, and casting Malcom McDowell as the President was pure genius. Both films can be found on blu-ray and are definitely worth the price. It is easily one of Corman's best films.

     Also, don't waste your time with the "Death Race" franchise that started in 2008 and starred Jason Statham. Although I do really enjoy Statham, these movies were a horrible attempt at reviving this brilliant and original idea.

Return of the Living Dead (1985) Written by:Rudi Ricci & John A. Russo Directed by:Dan O'Bannon

   

     What can I say about the 1985 Dan O'Bannon cult classic Return of the Living Dead? I don't think I stopped laughing the first time I saw this! All you need to know is that there is a very slimy, Michael Jackson like zombie that maybe the exact thing that zombie nightmares are made of!

     This epic, and the following franchise differs from the Romero zombies in that these guys have to consume brains and not just flesh. That and the fact that they can use an ambulance radio to call for more food!

     Thom Mathews, of B-Movie fame puts in one of his best performances as Freddy, a drifter punk who finally mans up and gets a job at a medical facility. His superior, played by the extremely talented James Karen decides to show Freddy the drum intombing zombies from WW2 and hijinks ensue.

     One bad mistake leads to another and after the body of the zombie is cremated and turned to "acid rain", Freddy's punk buddies, led by the beautiful Linnea Quigley, are exposed and start noticing tell tale changes. I thought it was crazy that being exposed to the acid rain could seep into the soil and reanimate the recently departed. Hilarious!

     I have never understood the typical "movie Punk Rockers", but this movie makes good on dispatching the gang. And why is there always a nerdy boy/girl or couple who are in this punk gang? Without fail! That has always killed me! And I loved another appearance by screen legend Don Calfa as the mortician! This movie was really the first to solidify my love for the zombie genre, as I didn't really fall in love with Night of the Living Dead until after I watched it again as a teenager.

     The make-up work is so great for the time, using practical make-up and puppets. The acting, where purposefully over-the-top, was really very good. You'll see some things that you probably wouldn't expect from a zombie film, like the reanimation of a small dog that had been bisected for medical studies.

     Being from Cincinnati, it was cool that this film takes place in Lexington, KY. Having this kind of movie take place in a city that I was familiar with gave it a good scare boost. Maybe that's just my nerdy self?

     Overall this film is a blast to watch, but definitely not for viewers under 14, due to the violence and brief nudity. I really think this is a really fun watch for horror fans. I'm wondering if this was the grandfather to the horror-comedy genre and to films such as Shawn of the Dead? Anyway, have fun!

Thor: Ragnarok (2017) Written by:Eric Pearson & Craig Kyle Directed by:Taika Waititi

      This movie was so much fun! Although I know a lot of comic book fans are pissed and think that Marvel studios neutered the characters. We all need to learn to separate the comics from the films. These movies are just LOOSELY cased on certain stories. Just sit back, relax, and laugh a little, or a lot!

     Chris Hemsworth finally seems to have embraced the character and because of that he seems more at ease with the sometimes cheesy dialog and over the top action. Mark Ruffalo is superb, as usual, as the Hulk/Bruce Banner. Although they never address his ability to form complete sentences now. I'm also a bit disappointed because it seems as though the CG for the Hulk has taken a step backwards.

     The show stopper, however, has to be Jeff Goldblum as The Grand Master. His depiction of what amounts to a "God" is played like a kid in a candy store. He's just there to entertain himself, and he totally pulls it off! I can't to see how he, and the Collector will really figure into Infinity War.
   
     Cate Blanchett as Hela was not an obvious casting choice, but ended up being exactly the right one. She is sinister in a way I've never pictured her being able to portray. Almost to the point of being sexy in a dominatrix sort of way. Hela is the trapped and forgotten daughter of Odin, come back to take control of Asgard and to conquer the nine realms.

     Upon Hela's arrival, her first order of business is to destroy Mjolnir, which surprises Thor to the point of actual fear. A fight ensues as Thor, Hela, and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are being whisked via Bifrost back to Asgard. However, Hela being too strong dispatches of both heroes into the stream of the unknown.

     Thor is thrust onto a planet filled with trash and skyward portals to god only knows where. Shortly after arriving, Thor is captured by a bounty hunter, Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and sold to the Grand Master. The old GM is looking for fighters to battle in his Roman-like gladiator games. And wouldn't you have guessed it, the champion is the Hulk!

     Meanwhile, Hela is wrecking havoc on Asgard, having killed the Warriors Three and most of the Asgard army, replacing them with an army of the dead. Having foreseen the coming attack Heimdall (Idris Elba) has stolen the Bifrost sword and is helping to get the remaining Asgardians to safety.

     Once Thor and Banner escape, they, along with Valkyrie, make their way back home to face down Hela and save Asgard. As the main battle ensues, Thor finds his true power, yet it doesn't seem to be enough until the arrival of Loki and the other fighters from the gladiators guild. Of course, the tides turn and good ultimately prevails.

     A truly unexpected surprise was the introduction of Korg, voiced by director Taika Waititi. Korg is an absolutely hilarious, rock-formed creature that serves as the ultimate comic relief for the film. Hopefully Marvel will keep him around through more films!

      We also get some great performances by the incomparable Sir Anthony Hopkins as Odin and Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange. Strange and Thor have a very memorable exchange that is laugh out loud funny. Cumberbatch was another supreme casting job! Tom Hiddleston is quite possibly the best Marvel villain to date, Can't believe he wasn't instantly drawn to the character and instead auditioned for the role of Thor. Then we have Idris Elba. Mr. Elba may be one of the most underrated actors of our generation. Although I do love that he has evolved in this film, I really wish Marvel would have used him for a more prevalent role, possibly in a different film. He deserves top billing and more screen time.
 
     This was a really fun movie to watch and I would say it's appropriate for anyone over 10. There are a few really cool Easter-eggs like the head of Beta Ray Bill on the tower of champions. The main problem I have with this movie is about the same I have with any comic book movie and that's that the writers, producers, and director seem afraid to more closely follow the source material. I think we as viewers have proven that we are willing to sit through a three hour film if it's done well. Hell, you could probably keep my ass in the seat twice that length, again, if it's done well. Give me more story even if it comes at the price of less action. Develop these characters fully instead of just making them warriors. Give me an older Reed Richards and Victor Von Doom. Don't be afraid of the comics, those are the very things putting asses in seats for you. We are a loyal bunch, give us the chance to prove it!

     Marvel movies, in my humble opinion, are superior to the DC counterparts. Marvel just has to change all of the silly stuff. Give us serious stories and less cheese. Trust that we will still come out in droves to see your films. We WILL! Not all comic book movies have to be marketed towards kids.
   
     In closing, go see Thor: Ragnarok. It's a good flick and it is leading us straight into Infinity War!!