The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.

Review #776: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.

Cast
Peter Weller (Buckaroo Banzai), John Lithgow (Lord John Whorfin / Dr. Emilio Lizardo), Ellen Barkin (Penny Priddy), Jeff Goldblum (New Jersey/Dr. Sidney Zweibel), Christopher Lloyd (John Bigboote), Lewis Smith (Perfect Tommy), Rosalind Cash (John Emdall), Clancy Brown (Rawhide), Robert Ito (Professor Hikita), Pepe Serna (Reno Nevada), Ronald Lacey (President Widmark), Matt Clark (Secretary of Defense), William Traylor (General Catburd), Carl Lumbly (John Parker), Dan Hedaya (John Gomez), and Vincent Schiavelli (John O'Connor) Directed by W. D. Richter.

Review

Here's what we can all agree is a "cult film". Buckaroo Banzai certainly have a mind of its own when it comes to being as offbeat and ambitious as possible. It has been described as a "science fiction romantic adventure comedy film", which is one heck of an classification, and it makes sense. Our main character is a scientist/neurosurgeon/rock musician/race car driver, complete with a bunch of assistants called the The Hong Kong Cavaliers. It's not an origin story as much as it feels like the middle of a much larger tale, especially with regards to our multi-talented lead. Weller excels as Banzai, mainly because of how he projects the hero, not being just an action hero, but also a smart quirky aspect to a quirky row of characters. Lithgow hams it up as well as anyone would when named "Lizardo", especially with that wig and teeth. The Cavaliers (Brown, Serna, Smith, Goldblum, Vera) and Lloyd (especially that makeup) are also pretty entertaining to watch as well. Weller and Barkin certainly have some entertaining chemistry together. The movie is certainly offbeat enough to work, although it is a shame that the movie did not succeed financially. It certainly has enough charm and fun in it. The effects still look pretty good for 1984, especially with the Lectroids, who look right for a movie as offbeat as this. The movie ends (naturally) with our heroes walking off together (with a killer end credits theme), announcing plans for a sequel that (so far) has never been made entitled Buckaroo Banzai Against the World Crime League. Ultimately, this is a movie that does what it feels makes sense, without regards to trying to being simple in any regard that you have to see for yourself.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Shoulder Arms.

Review #775: Shoulder Arms.

Cast
Charlie Chaplin (Charlie, the Doughboy), Edna Purviance (French girl), Sydney Chaplin (Charlie's Comrade/The Kaiser), Jack Wilson (German Crown Prince), Henry Bergman (Fat German Sergeant/Field Marshal von Hindenburg/Bartender), and Albert Austin (American Officer/Clean Shaven German Soldier/Bearded German Soldier) Directed by Charlie Chaplin.

Review
Well, it's Christmas. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves (I slept a good portion of the day, though at least I ate well and had some good gifts). As such, I thought it fitting to end the day with a Charlie Chaplin movie. Shoulder Arms is a silent comedy set during World War I (released a month before the Armistice was signed), with Chaplin playing a "Doughboy", which was actually a term for members of the Army and Marines, so this time around he isn't playing the Tramp. As it turned out, this was Chaplin's shortest feature (at 44 minutes) ever released, and it's not a bad film. There's a good amount of gags that you'd expect from a Chaplin film, hits and all. One of my favorites is him hiding in disguise as a tree behind enemy lines (such a clever disguise, eh?). Of course him throwing Limburger cheese into the enemy trench (after putting on a gas mask) right into the face of a soldier is pretty funny as well. The movie flows well, and its likable enough to be entertaining for anyone. If you're looking for some brilliant memorable gags that lasts less than an hour, I'd recommend this.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

The Phantom of the Opera (1925).

Review #774: The Phantom of the Opera.

Cast
Lon Chaney (Erik, The Phantom of the Opera), Mary Philbin (Christine Daaé), Norman Kerry (Vicomte Raoul de Chagny), Arthur Edmund Carewe (Ledoux), Gibson Gowland (Simon Buquet), John St. Polis (Comte Philippe de Chagny), and Snitz Edwards (Florine Papillon) Directed by Rupert Julian (with additional uncredited work by Edward Sedgwick, Ernst Laemmle, and Lon Chaney)

Review

After a bit of shopping on the Eve of Christmas, I decided to watch a film that I had planned to do earlier in the year but had forgotten to. 90 years after its release, all of the cast members had died, but it was only last year that the final cast member (Carla Laemmle, playing a prima ballerina) died, which was also when Soundstage 28, a set made for the movie that was demolished. Naturally, the one scene that is most memorable is the reveal of the Phantom himself, makeup (created by Chaney himself) and all. It shocked audiences in 1925, and it still looks shocking now, in a way that CGI can never duplicate. Of course the sequence in color (with the Phantom as the Red Death, most notably) is also a highlight, particularly for the time it was shown in. It's a melodrama that lasts for...a run time that depends on what version you are watching. The original release was 101 minutes, but when it re-issued in 1930 with sound, it lasted 101 minutes. The version I watched lasted 107 minutes, so I guess I won out with the movie. The movie certainly sets itself well with regards to the mysterious aspects of the Phantom, but also with the character himself, presented as more than just someone who stalks the opera, but one of misery and hope, masked in deformity. Of course he also was once a prisoner on Devil's Island before he escaped, but still. Chaney truly dominates the movie, in part due to the makeup, but also his ability to act so well without sound. The chandelier scene is treated a bit low key (compared to other scenes), but it is enjoyable to watch a chandelier fall down, especially due to its size. This is a technical marvel in terms of its makeup by Chaney, but also a good horror film that was one of the first films in the Universal Monsters series. Go see it.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Applause.

Review #773: Applause.

Cast
Helen Morgan (Kitty Darling), Joan Peers (April Darling), Fuller Mellish Jr. (Hitch Nelson), Jack Cameron (Joe King), Henry Wadsworth (Tony), and Roy Hargrave (Slim Lamont) Directed by  Rouben Mamoulian.

Review
Two things brought me to watch this film: It was from 1929, a year I had not reviewed anything from (the 1920's is the 2nd least covered decade in the 5 years Movie Night has been around. 1930 and 1910-1914 also haven't been covered, though the former has more feature films released in that year), but the critical reason was the fact that it was an all-talking backstage musical (a musical with the plot revolving around production of a play/musical) in 1929 that shot on location in Manhattan (with shots also done at Paramount's Astoria Studios in Queens), released two years after The Jazz Singer, a groundbreaking movie that was the advent for talkie movies, though even that film was a "part-talkie", a hybrid of silent inter titles and sound. (Lights of New York, released in 1928, was billed as the first all-talking picture). With Applause however, it is a sound film, effects and all.

One thing I like is the camera shots, particularly ones low on the ground (such as the wheels of a train moving across a track), ones showing the performance of the performers, but I also like this one shot midway through the film, in which you see only the legs of a few of our characters, with dialogue being spoken through it. Yes, it pans up to show faces, but I guess I like the idea of not having to show faces to get dialogue across. One of my favorite location shots is the one of the Brooklyn Bridge, but there are other nice shots as well, especially ones showing buildings all across Manhattan like the Wolworth (if you're wondering, this is occurring during a date atop a roof by two of our characters). Shots aside, the movie certainly has a charm to it, especially with the musical aspects, but also due to Helen Morgan, a singer turned actress in one of her first films with a big role, stealing the show. While the romance between Peers and Wadsworth could be characterized as "spur of the moment", it sure makes for good quirky charm. Applause is an interesting little movie that stands out for being a sound musical not bogged down by static sound or boring locations, instead being a movie of its own worth. It's not a great musical, but it is a charming movie, and for me that's more than enough.

Happy Festivus, everyone.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Four Christmases.

Review #772: Four Christmases.

Cast
Vince Vaughn (Brad McVie), Reese Witherspoon (Kate), Robert Duvall (Howard McVie), Sissy Spacek (Paula McVie), Jon Voight (Creighton), Mary Steenburgen (Marilyn), Kristin Chenoweth (Courtney), Jon Favreau (Denver McVie), Tim McGraw (Dallas McVie), and Katy Mixon (Susan McVie) Directed by Seth Gordon.

Review
This movie is awful. If I wanted to, I could leave it that. But if I did, then someone might wonder why I only said it was awful and watch it for themselves (just go with the idea that people actually use these reviews as an influence). If you watch about 10-20 minutes of the movie, you will start to have a few questions:

1. Why do Vaughn and Witherspoon look really miscast as a couple?
2. Why can't they arrange the four families to meet at one place instead of having to go to all four in one day?
3. Why did I decide to watch this?
4. Are all romantic comedies like this?
5. Have you ever put a spending limit of $10 for each Christmas gift you gave someone?
6. Are there any likable characters in it?

The answers to the questions are as follows: Pass, Pass, Pass, Maybe, No and...Yes (Jon Voight, who is only in the movie for the last 20 (or so) minutes, and manages to be not only the least annoying character, but also the one who has the least screen time. Go figure.). None of the situations that are set up here are really that funny, feeling either standard or just downright odd. Tell me if this sounds like a goldmine of hilarity: Our main character getting tackled and wrestled with by his two other brothers, and this isn't just one time, no it happens (I think, I lost count) twice more. Of course the movie tries (read: tries) to phone in a happy ending, because I guess having the movie end with them not getting back together seemed not "cheery" enough for Christmas. This a movie that manages to be unlikable at times, but more often than not it's just boring. Why should I care about anything that goes on with these people? It fails as a comedy, it fails as a romance (chemistry clocks in at zero), it fails as a drama (read: last half hour), and its greatest failing is that it fails as a Christmas movie. This isn't a movie you watch to be cheerful around the holidays, this is a movie for people who honestly want to find any reason not to visit their relatives, because they very well may just be as crazy this year as the people in this laugh-forsaken movie. That, and apparently being married and having kids is the only way to be happy. I'd advise you to eat fruitcake before watching this over literally any Christmas movie. Except Deck the Halls. (Yes, I would watch Santa Clause Conquers the Martians again. Even Jingle All the Way). Stay away from this garbage.

Overall, I give it 3 out of 10 stars.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Review #771: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Cast
Chevy Chase (Clark Griswold, Jr), Beverly D'Angelo (Ellen Griswold), Randy Quaid (Cousin Eddie), Juliette Lewis (Audrey Griswold), Johnny Galecki (Rusty Griswold), John Randolph (Clark Griswold, Sr), Diane Ladd (Nora Griswold), E. G. Marshall (Art Smith), Doris Roberts (Frances Smith), Miriam Flynn (Cousin Catherine), Cody Burger (Cousin Rocky), Nicholas Guest (Todd Chester), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Margo Chester), and Brian Doyle-Murray (Frank Shirley) Directed by Jeremiah Chechik.

Review
Please forgive me for not having watched the two Vacation films released before this one. They (along with Vegas Vacation) will be reviewed in 2016. Probably.

Ah Christmas. It's a time of year in which families try to eat food and get along with each other...and other stuff, because I usually just stay home. But I can relate to at least a few things in the movie, particularly the sticky sap tree, and trying to get a collection of lights to work...though I can't say I ever had that many lights (of course I keep my lights on the tree). The characters are pretty much what you probably have in your own family (no I won't reuse this line later) on Christmas, from over-determined to...bighearted to (insert number) degree of grumpy relatives. Chase certainly sells Griswold's lingering madness well. D'Angelo (along with Lewis and Galecki) certainly make for a good cinema family. My favorite scene with them is the opening scene, especially the part about getting a big ol' Christmas tree in the forest. The buildup to it is pretty enjoyable as well (I can relate in a sense to dealing with drivers from the past with my dad). Sure, there are moments when bitterness and circumstance get in the way, but in the end, it's all full of cheer.

In the pile of Christmas films (which apparently is almost 40) I've reviewed in five years, Christmas Vacation has moments of hilarity, but the movie's real strength is the seasonal charm that the movie evokes, especially the enthusiasm of the main character. It's interesting how comedies like this can be christened Christmas classics, but I can see why. It's not a perfect movie, but it just fits the bill of being a Christmas movie that one can accept.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Galaxina.

Review #770: Galaxina.

Cast
Stephen Macht (Sgt. Thor), Avery Schreiber (Captain Cornelius Butt), J. D. Hinton (Buzz), Dorothy Stratten (Galaxina), Lionel Mark Smith (Maurice), Tad Horino (Sam Wo), Ronald J. Knight (Ordric), Percy Rodrigues (Ordric's voice), Herb Kaplowitz (Rock Eater / Kitty / Ugly Alien Woman), and Nancy McCauley (Elexia) Directed by William Sachs.

Review
It only makes sense that a movie that homages/parodies sci-fi films like Star Wars (#113), Star Trek (#515), and Alien (#530) gets covered here. The movie was released two months before Dorothy Stratten was killed, and this was her only starring role. Her presence (aside from being the namesake of the movie) involves not speaking for about half the movie, which is a shame because the other cast isn't exactly exciting. Galaxina is a parody made from a 3 cent crackerjack box, rife with cheesy effects and cheesy acting that makes for a movie that thinks its more funny than it really is. None of the characters/actors are particularly interesting to watch, feeling like low-rent actors you would hire for a film project. The low-budget quality of the movie neither helps nor hurts the movie because you really could make the movie on any budget/effects and still have the same effect of not quite up to par jokes that make the movie feel like an eternity at 95 minutes. It's a movie that know it's a cheesy parody of other, better movies, with an R rating to make it seem "edgy"...or because it wouldn't be any funnier/less funnier rated PG (This was back before PG-13 was created). If you're in the mood for something fun with tinges (or rips) of sci-fi films...I'd recommend Starcrash (#755). Even if you want a parody from 1980, I'd recommend Airplane! (#664), released a month after this film that actually works.

In case you are wondering, yes it is indeed the 5th Anniversary of Movie Night. It's funny, I didn't really intend for this to last as long as it has, in the *calculates* 1,826 days of life. The reviews (I'd like to think) have managed to get better with time (especially with grammar), and while the rate of publishing reviews has decreased (from 082 in Season 1, 230 in Season 2, 202 in Season 3, 172 in Season 4, and 84 in the current Season 5. In fact, it wasn't until Season 3 when I moved the end date from around the anniversary to the end of the year.), I hope you've enjoyed the reviews. I'll try to keep 'em coming.

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Review #769: Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Cast
Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (General Organa), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong'o (Maz Kanata), Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Max von Sydow (Lor San Tekka), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), and Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar) Directed by J. J. Abrams (#009 - Star Trek, #150 - Super 8, and #665 - Star Trek Into Darkness)

Review
As I went to my local theater for the 17th time (over the course of this show) to see my first Star Wars movie in a theater, I wondered how it would go. I wondered it because though I adored the original trilogy, the prequel trilogy was not quite up to the charm and fun of the originals. But I realized that I didn't need a perfect movie to be happy, I just needed what I need in any film: A good experience. The anticipation of waiting for a movie to start is a good sign, especially being there an hour early and having a house that looks 80-85% crowded. Naturally, there was a bit of hollering when the movie started up, and even I felt a bit giddy.

And the movie was good, too. Like I said, I wanted a good experience, and I sure got one. I enjoyed every minute of it because it was a movie not bogged down by weight or its own characters, rather it was a movie that utilizes elements from the original trilogy with elements of its own to make a new mesh that works pretty well for itself. Instead of waiting for the old cast to get into the picture, you're instead invested into the new characters because they actually are pretty compelling. Interestingly, my favorite from this movie was BB-8, the new droid who really is so adorable and really fun to watch. Ridley and Boyega are interesting to watch, because they aren't rehashes of the past (per se), they are something Star Wars needed: new blood, to carry the torch on. But of course, Ford is fun to watch again, especially with Leia. (I can share one quote: "When have you ever been helpful? And don't say the Death Star." It makes sense in context to the banter) There's no point in saying anything about the plot, because you really should see it for yourself. The effects look really well because they don't seem too artificial because you actually care about the effects this time around. The movie works because you actually care about where it will go next (after all, Episode VIII and IX will be around the corner soon enough) and care about these characters. It has a good share of humor and fun, laced with finely tuned action and around the same charm you'd expect from a Star Wars film. Will you like it as much I liked it? I don't know. But I'd recommend seeing it.

Believe the hype. And may the force be with you.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Snow White (1916).

Review #768: Snow White.

Cast
Marguerite Clark (Snow White), Dorothy Cumming (Queen Brangomar), Creighton Hale (Prince Florimond), Lionel Braham (Berthold - the Huntsman), and Alice Washburn (Witch Hex) Directed by J. Searle Dawley.

Review
While this is not the Snow White film everyone thinks about, this was the earliest feature adaptation, made 20 years before Walt Disney's version. Fittingly, this film was released on Christmas Day, so that's (technically) another reason to watch right around now. This was adapted from the 1912 play (which also had Clark as Snow White), which had been inspired from the classic tale by the Brothers Grimm written in 1812. It's interesting to see a movie made in 1916 (a year not previously covered here) and the ways that films were made, with regards to editing, effects, and even storytelling. The effort to make a movie is always impressive, but it also is impressive when it was made in a era where features weren't quite the norm they are now. The acting is much like a filmed stage play, which makes sense given the history. The inter titles are relatively well paced (when they aren't switching typefaces. One of my favorites come from the dwarves: "It's a Girl. I saw one once."). I especially love the names of the seven (Blick, Flick, Glick, Snick, Plick, Whick, and Quee). This film was considered lost until 1992, when it was found (with Dutch inter titles) and restored by the George Eastman Museum. While the movie may not be as notable as the Disney film, it did have one notable viewer: Walt Disney, who was inspired enough by this film that he made it the subject of his own version of Snow White 21 years later. The movie takes a while to get going, but it is well paced at about 60 minutes, so I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a different Snow White to watch around the Holidays.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

The Skydivers.

Review #767: The Skydivers.

Cast
Kevin Casey (Beth Rowe), Eric Tomlin (Joe Moss), Anthony Cardoza (Harry Rowe), Marcia Knight (Suzy Belmont), Bob Carrano (Bob), Michael Rae (Red), Jerry Mann (Bernie), Keith Walton (Jim the Photographer), Paul Francis (Pete), Titus Moede (Frankie Bonner), and Harold Saunders (Mr. Morgan) Directed by Coleman Francis (#744 - The Beast of Yucca Flats)

Review
It make sense the movie (also known as Fiend from Half Moon Bay and Panic at Half Moon Bay) is in black and white - it correlates with the lack of life in the movie. On the one hand, it could be argued it is less terrible than Beast of Yucca Flats...but that doesn't make it a film even remotely worth watching. Part of the problem is the lack of enthusiasm in the cast. You'll find more excitement in playing with an old View-Master. The skydiving scenes make me wonder how actual skydiving is, because it can't be as meaningless-looking as this film makes it seem to be. Nothing about this movie looks appealing because nothing in this movie looks like a movie that should even be made. One "positive" thing about the movie is that at least there is no narration to explain the plot. Of course the hokey soap-opera type plot nearly sucks out any "positive" result (by the way, was putting acid on a parachute a thing back in the day?). The movie lasts about 75 minutes, but I can't recommend the movie even with a length like that because there are quite literally dozens of films that last shorter and are better than this. Naturally, this was a film covered by MST3K, and I imagine that version is better than the actual film. The Skydivers manages to be "better" than The Beast of Yucca Flats by about an inch, but neither are particularly watchable. You can do better things with your time, like fiddling with your phone, doing household chores, reading past Movie Night reviews (wink wink), or learning how to actually skydive.

Notes: Apologies on forgetting to list the director on last night's review of "The Toll of the Sea", whose name was Charles M. Franklin.

Also, I got my final grades for my first semester of college. All A's.
I'll review Red Zone Cuba in 2016, BTW.
Overall, I give it 1 out of 10 stars.

The Toll of the Sea.

Review #766: The Toll of the Sea.

Cast
Anna May Wong (Lotus Flower), Kenneth Harlan (Allen Carver), Beatrice Bentley (Barbara 'Elsie' Carver), Priscilla Moran (Little Allen), Etta Lee (Gossip), and Ming Young (Gossip) Directed by Chester M. Franklin.

Review
Not only am I reviewing a 1920s film, I'm reviewing a movie filmed in Technicolor. In fact, this was the 2nd (two-color - red and green) Technicolor film made in Hollywood (the first being the now mostly lost film The Gulf Between - 1917), with this also being Wong's first starring role. The same process that this film was made under would later be used for the 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera, The Black Pirate, it was utilized until 1928. The movie was thought to be lost in the 1967 MGM vault fire, but it was restored in 1985 by the UCLA Film and Television Archive from the original negative, though they did need to shoot the final four minutes due to that part being lost, even utilizing an original two-color Technicolor camera to capture shots of the Pacific Ocean, key to the climax, while also recreating the titles for the close sequence. The movie is based off the opera Madame Butterfly, which had been adapted twice prior to this film. It's interesting to look at the movie and the colors brought out by the camera (especially the greens), which makes it all seem like I'm looking at a painting come to life. The colorful look of the movie certainly seems to contrast with the gloomy tone, especially evident in Wong's expressions (and tears), especially near the end. She stands out among the rest of the actors (rightfully so), visually and in terms of acting, filled with grace, style, but also grief. It is a great movie? No, but it is at least a good one to watch, and given that it lasts barely less than an hour and is easily available to find, I'd recommend seeing it, alongside the technical achievements of color that the movie made in over 90 years ago.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Fargo.

Review #765: Fargo.

Cast
Frances McDormand (Marge Gunderson), William H. Macy (Jerry Lundegaard), Steve Buscemi (Carl Showalter), Peter Stormare (Gaear Grimsrud), Harve Presnell (Wade Gustafson), Kristin Rudrüd (Jean Lundegaard), Tony Denman (Scotty Lundegaard), Larry Brandenburg (Stan Grossman), John Carroll Lynch (Norm Gunderson), and Steve Reevis (Shep Proudfoot) Directed by the Coen Brothers (#659 - True Grit)

Review
The movie opens with the following text: "THIS IS A TRUE STORY. The events depicted in this film took place in Minnesota in 1987. At the request of the survivors, the names have been changed. Out of respect for the dead, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred." The movie's credits utilize the "All persons fictitious disclaimer", but even with all of that, the movie seems so real, especially with the small-town setting. While only the opening scene takes place in Fargo, it is where everything comes together for Macy and the two kidnappers he hires in a plan that goes...let's just say awry. It's a movie that spruces itself up with interesting characters and brutal crime to make for a really engaging movie. McDormand does a fine job making a folksy, but effective detective that is enjoyable to see figure out the pieces in such a bizarre case. I don't know why, but the first scene with her (alongside Lynch) having breakfast and then leaving for work is one of my favorites, mainly because it isn't just a normal eat and go kind of scene, it feels very regular (of course, the scene ends with her needing the car to be charged, but with the setting it makes sense).

Macy does a fine job in such a panicky role of a man that tries (and fails) to make the best out of the situations he has gotten himself into. I especially like when he is trying to explain a (deliberate) mistake he made with regards to filing on forms (by smudging the numbers). You can see the desperation and the ways he tries to wiggle out, even with all the pleasantries exchanged between the two. Buscemi and Stormare have their own quirks as well, even if they aren't as pleasant as the rest of these "Minnesota nice" characters. I especially like the scene where Buscemi's character is trying to get Stormare to talk during their trip to Minneapolis. Maybe it's just the fact that he is doing this on a trip to kidnap someone, or the fact that I can relate trying to make conversation on a driving trip because I (admittedly) did that while my dad and I drove up to Oregon a few years back (though at least my trip did not end with...you know). Buscemi is the more talkative villain, but Stormare really does a good job of silent force that is probably the more efficient killer. On the whole, this is a movie that feels original because it does what it wants to do that utilizes dark comedy to great effect to make for a riveting, but still enjoyable flick.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Black Rock.

Review #764: Black Rock.

Cast
Katie Aselton (Abby), Lake Bell (Lou), Kate Bosworth (Sarah), Will Bouvier (Henry), Jay Paulson (Derek), and Anslem Richardson (Alex) Directed by Katie Aselton.

Review
Well, this is a new one. This is the first film reviewed here that actually had a Kickstarter campaign, raising $33,501, while also premiering at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, though it did not get released theatrically until 2013, with Aselton directing the film with her husband writing the story. While I can appreciate the effort it must've taken to make the movie, the same can not be said for the actual movie itself. In the span of 80 minutes, I can't really remember any time the movie felt thrilling that wasn't just old cliches. Granted, cliched tropes can work under the right mood. With this film, I felt nothing for any of the things that happened because I felt nothing for any of these characters. The acting is okay, but it can't save a movie that tries to be edgy and original, but comes off as a laundry list of horror-thriller flicks. It's a forgettable movie, though at least the creators seemed to enjoy making it.

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

A Fool There Was.

Review #763: A Fool There Was.

Cast
Theda Bara (The Vampire), Edward José (John Schuyler, The Fool), Mabel Frenyear (Kate Schuyler, The Wife), Runa Hodges (The Child), May Allison (The Wife's Sister), and Clifford Bruce (Tom, The Friend) Directed by Frank Powell.

Review
We are near the end of the year, so I decided to touch upon a movie released 100 years ago in 1915, making it the earliest film ever reviewed on this show. What is interesting is that this is one of only four feature films (along with two short comedies) starring Theda Bara that still survives today, with most of her films having been destroyed in the 1937 Fox vault fires. Bara's nickname of "The Vamp" came about do the popularity of this film, representing her reputation for playing "vamps", has evolved into the femme fatale. One notable inter-title is "Kiss me, my fool!", which was likely considered risque in the 1910's. This was based off a play (by Porter Emerson Browne) that was inspired by a Rudyard Kipling poem. As for the movie itself, it's okay. It kinda drags in the beginning with regards to the setup for the main characters, but at least the movie runs okay at an hour. Bara is certainly interesting as the lead, having a distinctive look and flair to her. It's certainly easy to see how she became so popular back in the day, though the studio promotion of her (giving her an elaborate fake biography of her being from an exotic land, though she was actually born in Cincinnati) also certainly helped. The movie is certainly an interesting capsule into the 1910's, and while I wouldn't say it's good, I would at least recommend it for any silent film buffs looking to watch the woman known as The Vamp.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

College.

Review #762: College.

Cast
Buster Keaton (Ronald), Anne Cornwall (Mary Haynes), Harold Goodwin (Jeff), Flora Bramley (Mary's friend), Snitz Edwards (Dean Edwards), Carl Harbaugh (Crew Coach), Sam Crawford (Baseball Coach), and Florence Turner (Ronald's mother) Directed by Buster Keaton (#757) and James W. Horne.

Review
Oh the joys of reviewing a movie named College. It is only fitting that I review this movie two days before the second (and last) Final Class Exam that culminates the end of my first semester at my college. To be honest, my first thoughts were that this sounded a good deal like The Freshman (#667), with regards to the premise of a new college student trying to impress someone at a college despite being picked being on, with one of their ideas being to play sports. But I realized that this isn't exactly a tired trope because it still technically works today. The debate of focus of academia vs athletics evidently was even a hot topic in 1927 as it is now. But the movie isn't a discussion of that, it's Buster Keaton being involved in slapstick, with some fun title cards (such as Keaton's academic character talking about athletes such as "Ty Ruth" and "Babe Dempsey") and some highlights such as Keaton trying to play baseball (try being emphasized here) and track and field (My favorite part: Keaton not only misses jumping over a hurdle, he breaks it in half with his face) but also some drama as well. The actors certainly fit their parts well (with Snitz Edwards, who had been in Seven Chances fitting nicely as the beleaguered Dean), fitting the story just fine. One scene that doesn't really age well is the scene where he puts on black-face makeup in order to work at a diner. It doesn't last long (maybe about 3-4 minutes), but it's still strange that he even put it on in the first place. Racist? That's up to you to decide, along with noting the time this was made as well. Despite this, the movie holds up pretty well, and the heart of the movie makes for a relatively fine movie.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Friday the 13th Part 2.

Review #761: Friday the 13th Part 2.

Cast
Amy Steel (Ginny Field), John Furey (Paul Holt), Warrington Gillette (Jason Voorhees), Walt Gorney (Crazy Ralph), Stu Charno (Ted), Bill Randolph (Jeff), Marta Kober (Sandra Dier), and Adrienne King (Alice Hardy) Directed by Steve Miner.

Review
Yay, this one. 486 reviews after doing the first film in the franchise, I'm reviewing the sequel released barely less than a year after the original. Apparently the intention of the series would be focused on events occurring around Friday the 13th, but the idea was scrapped, with Jason becoming the killer, somehow being alive. If you're wondering, he doesn't wear his hockey mask in this one (saving that for the sequel), wearing instead a burlap sack, which either makes him slightly menacing or a farmer reject. I'd say the latter, but someone is bound to be scared by a burlap sack. The movie begins by recalling the events of the first film (5 minutes of it, anyway), because I guess someone didn't know what happened in the first film (but then again, why would they being going to a sequel?), ending with the only character from the first film getting killed by Jason, setting up our new cast to be killed...for the most part. The movie runs just a bit shorter than the original (8 minutes, but who's counting?), and I suppose that means the movie doesn't drag too much. There really isn't much to the characters or acting, but at least you'll get some slasher action, with the body count this time being at 9, complete with the characters you'd expect to die dying. The ending to the movie is somewhat baffling, considering the whereabouts of one character, considering that Jason...comes out of a window and then it cuts to Ginny being escorted out. It doesn't really have much quality in terms of film making, but it will most likely satisfy anybody looking for some sort of thrills in the first film with Jason as the villain.

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Creed.

Review #760: Creed.

Cast
Michael B. Jordan (Adonis Johnson Creed), Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa), Tessa Thompson (Bianca), Phylicia Rashad (Mary Anne Creed), Tony Bellew (Ricky Conlan), Graham McTavish (Tommy Holiday), and Wood Harris (Tony "Little Duke" Evers) Directed by Ryan Coogler.

Review
Almost 40 years after the original Rocky, here we are with a spin off (or sorts), with Rocky still playing a role even outside the ring. To be honest, I had no clue on how it would be mainly because I had no clue the movie was going to be made in the first place. The four Rockys I had seen all had varying degrees of entertainment (the first being the best), and I was at least interested in seeing how Jordan and Stallone would do. As it turned out, they both did great. It rises from potentially being mired in cliches to deliver a movie that is flat out entertaining. Jordan and Stallone are excellent together, having a good rapport with Stallone (the only person from any of the past six films) passing the torch onto Jordan. Rashad, though she doesn't have a lot of screen time, is also good to watch on screen. Bellew doesn't get much personality to work with the role he plays, but he does manage to make for an interesting character for Creed to fight in the end, and he certainly looks the part. Jordan and Thompson also share some good scenes with each other that certainly make the movie a little more than just boxing, though admittedly the boxing is excellent nonetheless. It looks really well-done, even including some blood (you can't have a Rocky movie without a little blood). It's a movie all about identity, and by the end it certainly seems to have found a lasting identity and the seeds to build a legacy. I'd love to see more movies about Creed, or even just movies with Jordan in general. This is an engaging movie that manages to evoke fun and the Rocky spirit to make for a excellent movie.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

The Gold Rush.

Review #759: The Gold Rush.

Cast
Charlie Chaplin (The Tramp - The Lone Prospector), Georgia Hale (Georgia), Mack Swain (Big Jim McKay), Tom Murray (Black Larsen), Malcolm Waite (Jack Cameron), and Henry Bergman (Hank Curtis) Directed by Charlie Chaplin (#353 - Monsieur Verdoux, #599 - The Kid and #600 - City Lights)

Review
On my own birthday, I decided to review a movie I knew I might enjoy. In a way, I had built this up by reviewing a Keaton film on Saturday and a Lloyd film on Monday, so I decided to revisit another silent film star, especially such a character like The Tramp. The highlight among all the good gags in the movie is him eating his shoe, mainly because of his reaction to eating what is essentially cooked rubber. I especially love when (BIG JIM) McKay goes crazy and starts imagining Chaplin as a chicken, costume and all...and then telling him that he imagined him as one. The movie is so enjoyable, because the Tramp is such an interesting character to watch walk around the cold along with with the other characters, such as Swain and Murray's characters. Chaplin directed, wrote, produced, and edited this movie, which is really impressive. The cast is interesting, especially Swain as (BIG JIM) McKay, who certain looks and fits the role of second fiddle to Chaplin. It's interesting how the Klondike sets were really just sets on the back lot and stages at Chaplin's studio, because they look really impressive in terms of how ram-shackled they are. The movie has good laughs, tinges of suspense, and a fine balance of drama that make for a wholly compelling movie. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Now if you excuse me, I'm going to have some cake.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.