Movie Night: Dracula's Daughter.

Review #297: Dracula's Daughter.

Cast
Otto Kruger (Dr. Jeffrey Garth), Gloria Holden (Marya Zaleska), Marguerite Churchill (Janet), Edward Van Sloan (Van Helsing), Gilbert Emery (Basil Humphrey), Irving Pichel (Sandor), Halliwell Hobbes (Hawkins), Billy Bevan (Albert), and Nan Grey (Lili) Directed by Lambert Hillyer.

Review
This is one of those "Wait, there was a sequel to this?" kind of film, having been a sequel of Dracula (#71), released 5 years it, with no Lugosi (Except one wax model of him), but Van Sloan is back as Van Helsing (misspelled as Von Helsing, but whatever), which is a plus. The acting is ranges from good to okay, depending on the actor/actress. Kruger and Holden do a good job, along with Van Sloan, as he was back in Dracula. Churchill is okay, but not much else other then a small annoyance. The rest of the actors are all alright, doing a standard yet useful job. There are a few scares, but not as chilling as the first one or as mysterious. It is slightly original, not really based off any novels (Okay it was actually based off a short story, but it apparently didn't take any of the story's plot), but it is short enough to run a suddenly short length of 71 minutes. In the end, while the film does have some good moments that might work, it is slightly bogged down by sluggish pace at times and a weird pace of story. Not bad, but not great either. Countdown to 300 Reviews: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3...

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: A View to a Kill.

Review #296: A View to a Kill.

Cast
Roger Moore (James Bond), Christopher Walken (Max Zorin), Tanya Roberts (Stacey Sutton), Grace Jones (May Day), Patrick Macnee (Godfrey Tibbett), Patrick Bauchau (Scarpine), David Yip (Chuck Lee), Willoughby Gray (Carl Mortner), Fiona Fullerton (Pola Ivanova), Manning Redwood (Bob Conley), Alison Doody (Jenny Flex), Robert Brown (M), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny), and Geoffrey Keen (Fredrick Gray) Directed by John Glen (#281 - The Living Daylights and #290 - Licence to Kill)

Review
A View to a Kill was the 7th and final Bond film for Roger Moore, who had been Bond for 12 years, the longest tenure of them all. But is this any good? Well, if this is meant to be Moore's last one, it definitely shows. This is one of those films where it has some good things, but is then bogged by flaws among flaws. I'll start with the villains first for example. Grace Jones is good, giving the aura of delightful villainy, reminding me (slightly) of Jaws from The Spy Who Loved Me. But I find a slight problem with this, and it is not her that's the problem, it's the simple act of turning her good. Why does the (secondary) villain have to turn good? Is it meant to be symbolic? My answer would probably the same one the writer thought: Why not? But oh well. And then there's Christopher Walken. First off, I find him very good in some parts, and yet baffling in others. He does give off the look of a deranged yet smart villain and yet sometimes it looks like he's going to burst out in laughter. He's a fun villain, even if he doesn't get much of a fight with Bond. Tanya Roberts (the leading lady) is...okay. Though she does have some range of attempting to act, the dialogue sometimes just ranges to only "James!" "Save me!" I know it sounds off of me to say it, but it is better for the leading lady to do more then just scream, though at least Roberts is better then Britt Eckland (Mary Goodnight) in The Man with the Golden Gun. And then there's Roger Moore, in his swansong. I'll let this quote that he said of him in the film sum it up: "I was only about four hundred years too old for the part." Actually, he is good enough here, not horrible, but not as good as he was in The Spy Who Loved Me. The action is alright, with some good locations used, but the film is hampered by a mediocre first half. While the film has some good points, it is hampered severely at times, and it under uses the actors. And yet? I find it to be not the worst Bond film. Granted, it's not good, but it isn't the worst. Countdown to 300 Reviews: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4...

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: A Boy Named Charlie Brown.

Review #295: A Boy Named Charlie Brown.

Cast
Peter Robbins (Charlie Brown), Pamelyn Ferdin (Lucy Van Pelt), Glenn Gilger (Linus Van Pelt), Andy Pforsich (Schroeder), Sally Dryer (Patty), Bill Melendez (Snoopy), Ann Altieri (Violet), and Erin Sullivan (Sally Brown) Directed by Bill Meléndez.

Review
On November 26, 1922, Charles M. Schulz was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Schulz created Peanuts, arguably the most famous comic strip ever produced, which ran for nearly 50 years, which to me is very impressive. 90 years after his birth, Peanuts still lives on in reruns, TV specials, and films, such as this. This is the first feature film based on the Peanuts comic strip, released in 1969. For a film with child actors and for 1969, this is still an achievement, especially in the animation department. The animation is colorful but still very useful, not detracting from the film. The acting is alright, Robbins does a good job, conveying the character of Charlie Brown very well. The film has a theme of defeat, and yet it still manages to be sincere and optimistic as well. (along with teaching the spelling rule of I before E except after C) Charlie Brown was always my favorite Peanuts character, and this film gives a chance (like most specials) to make him truly shine, no matte how bad he might lose by. Happy Birthday, Mr. Schulz. Countdown to 300 Reviews: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: How to Train Your Dragon.

Review #294: How to Train Your Dragon.

Cast
Jay Baruchel (Hiccup Haddock), Gerard Butler (Stoick the Vast), America Ferrera (Astrid), Craig Ferguson (Gobber the Belch), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Fishlegs), Jonah Hill (Snotlout), T.J. Miller (Tuffnut), Kristen Wiig (Ruffnut), and David Tennant (Spitelout) Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois.

Review
This is the 14th Dreamworks Animation film (which I will not list as that will probably be too annoying to do for the people who want to just read the review) that I've reviewed, and they have ranged from fun stuff to...near unsatisfying (okay one reference: Shark Tale). But is this any good? Not to spoil anything, but...Yea. The story at times is imaginative (based off a novel of the same name by Cressida Cowell), which gives this film a edge that some of the Dreamworks films don't have. The acting's good, especially by Butler and Ferguson (though largely due to how much fun he has with the role). But what I find the most fun is the dragons and how they visually look, especially Toothless. The characters are decent, even having some funny dialogue at times. The action is entertaining, and combined with exceptional directing make for an excellent film. Countdown to 300 Reviews: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6...

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Live and Let Die.

Review #293: Live and Let Die.

Cast
Roger Moore (James Bond), Yaphet Kotto (Dr. Kananga/Mr. Big), Jane Seymour (Solitaire), Julius Harris (Tee Hee Johnson), David Hedison (Felix Leiter), Gloria Hendry (Rosie Carver), Clifton James (J.W. Pepper), Geoffrey Holder (Samedi), Bernard Lee (M), Roy Stewart (Quarrel Jr) Directed by Guy Hamilton (#280 - Diamonds Are Forever, #289 - The Man with the Golden Gun, and #291 - Goldfinger)

Review
This was the eighth Bond film, two years after the love it or hate it Diamonds Are Forever. In a way, this is like a trilogy, three straight films in order by the same director all with James Bond. But is this any better then the other two? Yes...and no. This was Roger Moore's first film as James Bond (Even though this is the third review of him as James Bond, sorry for the reviewing paradox), and he does a reasonable job, making the role slowly turn into his own, away from Connery (and Lazenby), which is a good thing. It's a shame that the film around him isn't exactly "good", though. Its plot lines are weird at points, making me wonder if I watching a Bond film or one of those random 70's films you might find in a cheap DVD pack. And that's another flaw of the film, it's dated at some points. (The fashion, the club locations, even the dialogue at times) What does dated mean exactly? It means that over time a film doesn't look as good as it might've been in its time, instead it looks like only a product of the 70's and not much else. The villain is not very impressive nowadays compared to other villains the Bond series has had (Goldfinger, Blofeld, Klebb, Jaws, even Franz Sanchez), and his henchmen Tee Hee reminds me too much of Dr. No, who wasn't exactly impressive to being with. The leading lady (Also known as the Bond girl, but I thought that would be weird to say) is excellent, having a purpose and being noteworthy enough to escape just being a girl who Bond saves. I'd almost forgotten that Q isn't in this film, and he usually provided some sort of fun, even if it was for one or two scenes. The action is mildly enjoyable. In the end, this film might be a step up or a small misstep for the Bond franchise, not being horrible, but not being very good either. At least Moore would have better opportunities as Bond. I think. Countdown to 300 Reviews: 10, 9, 8, 7...

Overall, I give it 007 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Spy Who Loved Me.

Review #292: The Spy Who Loved Me.

Cast
Roger Moore (James Bond), Barbara Bach (Anya Amasova), Curd Jürgens (Karl Stromberg), Richard Kiel (Jaws), Caroline Munro (Naomi), Walter Gotell (General Gogol), Bernard Lee (M), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny), and Geoffrey Keen (Fredrick Gray) Directed by Lewis Gilbert.

Review
Three years after the not so great success of The Man with the Golden Gun (#289), a new film would be released (coincidentally on an anniversary year as 1977 was the 15th Anniversary of James Bond's first film, Dr. No - #150), but is it any better? Does Moore have more substance? Yea. Pretty much. What I like about this film is that the absurdities aren't as highlighted as in other films. The action works well that is even more helped by Jaws (played by Richard Kiel), a henchman of Stromberg with metal teeth. (One scene that seals is for me is when he actually manages to survive an encounter with a shark with his teeth) One thing I'll mention is the submarine car, which adds to the inventiveness of the story, even if it's there for one scene. The rest of the cast is excellent, especially Bach and Jurgens. Moore does an excellent job, more improved from the last one and more (or less) a substantial Bond.  This is one of the better Bonds, and possibly the best Moore film as James Bond. Countdown to 300 Reviews: 10, 9, 8...

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Goldfinger.

Review #291: Goldfinger.

Cast
Sean Connery (James Bond), Gert Fröbe (Auric Goldfinger), Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore), Harold Sakata (Oddjob), Cec Linder (Felix Leiter), Bernard Lee (M), Martin Benson (Mr. Solo), Tania Mallet (Tilly Masterson), Shirley Eaton (Jill Masterson), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), and Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny) Directed by Guy Hamilton (#280 - Diamonds Are Forever and #289 -The Man with the Golden Gun)

Review
Goldfinger was the third Bond film, released a year after the success of From Russia with Love (#277), but is this better then that film? That is debatable, but either way Goldfinger is a good film. Connery does a fine job yet again, being consistent in his portrayal of Bond. Frobe does an excellent job as the third villain of the series (Third of many), being more down to earth, and yet still threatening. The motifs of gold are a bit subtle. (This would be parodied in #134 - Austin Powers in Goldmember) But what I find excellent is Harold Sakata as Oddjob. The way he moves and used that hat without saying words is truly a sight to see. The action is good for the most part, entertaining and yet useful. Blackman does a good job as the leading lady, alluring and interesting. While there might be some humor, it does not get in the way of the plot. This is a film that still works after over 40 years, and with style indeed. Countdown to 300 Reviews: 10, 9...

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Licence to Kill.

Review #290: Licence to Kill.

Cast
Timothy Dalton (James Bond), Robert Davi (Franz Sanchez), Carey Lowell (Pam Bouvier), Talisa Soto (Lupe Lamora), Anthony Zerbe (Milton Krest), Frank McRae (Sharkey), Everett McGill (Ed Killifer), Wayne Newton (Joe Butcher), Benicio del Toro (Dario), Anthony Starke (Truman-Lodge), Pedro Armendáriz, Jr (Hector Lopez), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), David Hedison (Felix Leiter), Priscilla Barnes (Della Churchill), Robert Brown (M), and Caroline Bliss (Miss Moneypenny) Directed by John Glen (#281 - The Living Daylights)

Review
Two years after the success of The Living Daylights (#281), this film was the sixteenth Bond film, and the last for 6 years. But does that nescessary mean that's bad? No, not really. The original title for this was Licence Revoked, but it was changed due to people being confused. (Revoked being a common American phrase for the withdrawal of a driving licence. Weird, but yeah.) Honestly, the title Licence to Kill emphasizes the darker, edgier attempt at Bond. But another question is does that attempt work? Yes...and no. The story is more back in reality, more then the last one, and even more then in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (#279), which is admirable. The violence is more prevailent, and it sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. It's a give and take ki of thing. Though I do like the truck sequences, that's a load of fun. Dalton is more improved here, more darker and yet still interesting. The rest of the actors range from good (Robert Davi) to...odd (Wayne Newton), though the leading ladies are good (Carey Loweel and Talisa Soto), so the cast is relatively good. I find this film to be better then The Living Daylights, as it is more defined in its main character and action. It is a good film (for the most part, though this is one of those give or take films) that got plagued with bad luck as this would be the last film for Timothy Dalton as James Bond due to 6 years of troubles that would lead to a new actor taking over. (Pierce Brosnan, who've I reviewed in all 4 of his films as James Bond: #171-#174) While it isn't a great Bond film, it is still one of the stronger Bond films. So how was Dalton in his two films? He was actually like how Daniel Craig is as Bond today, an edgier Bond (Which some have compared to the incarnation of the books) that worked for the most part. Guess what's around the corner? Countdown to 300 Reviews: 10...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars. REDUX: Rating now updated to 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Man with the Golden Gun.

Review #289: The Man with the Golden Gun.

Cast
Roger Moore (James Bond), Christopher Lee (Francisco Scaramanga), Britt Ekland (Mary Goodnight), Maud Adams (Andrea Anders), Hervé Villechaize (Nick Nack), Richard Loo (Hai Fat), Soon-Tek Oh (Lieutenant Hip), Clifton James (J.W. Pepper), Bernard Lee (M), Marc Lawrence (Rodney), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), Marne Maitland (Lazar), and Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny) Directed by Guy Hamilton (#280 - Diamonds Are Forever)

Review
The Man with the Golden Gun was the ninth film in the James Bond series based off the 13th novel of the book series by Ian Fleming, though the film doesn't have much to do with the novel (This doesn't hurt the film though as the films usually don't have that much accuracy anyway). And I finally get to talk about Roger Moore as James Bond. How is he? Well....Let me get to that later. Christopher Lee (I should make a game of how many times I review him in a film with him either being there or being the villain) is decent (He's been Dracula, a Baskerville, a Wonka, Dooku, The Creature, and a voice of the Jabberwocky in his career. Impressive.), probably more interesting then the plot. What's the plot? Something about solar power and a man with the golden gun (title drop), almost as thin as Diamonds Are Forever. The dialogue is meh, but the attempts at comedy are even more mediocre, which doesn't mesh well with the action. Ekland is...surprisingly clumsy (One scene I can't believe involves her not being able to see a button that is bright red), again almost as "eh" as Jill St. John in (again) Diamonds Are Forever. So how is Roger Moore? Well...He's relatively okay. He's not a suave type of Bond, but a more "roll with it" Bond. Roger Moore would be James Bond for 12 years (The longest run for a Bond, with 7 movies from 1973-1985), with this film being a slight misfire for the Bond franchise.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Up.

Review #288: Up.

Cast
Ed Asner (Carl Fredricksen), Jordan Nagai (Russell), Bob Peterson (Dug), Christopher Plummer (Charles F. Muntz), Pete Docter (Kevin), Elizabeth Docter (Ellie), Delroy Lindo (Beta), Jerome Ranft (Gamma), and John Ratzenberger (Tom) Directed by Pete Docter (#074 - Monsters, Inc.) and Bob Peterson.

Review
This is the 6th Pixar film I've reviewed here (#074 - Monsters, Inc, #153 - The Incredibles, #155 - Finding Nemo, #158 - Ratatouille, #222 - WALL-E.), the previous five were very good, none having a rating below 9/10. Does this continue the trend? I think you know the answer if you've seen the film: Yeah, pretty much. Asner does a great job, making the character range from grumbling to even smiling at times. Also I love the fact he resembles Spencer Tracy, giving him an even more good look. There is some action, which reminds me an old adventure (especially with the zeppelin. There is even a newsreel at the beginning). But what gives the film its ultimate edge is its emotional depth. The scene between Carl and his wife Ellie is really warming and touching with a bit of tear inducing all into one, and that's a bit rare in films. Before I forget, the animation is excellent, which helps give more of an adventurous theme in a strange place. In the end, this is a triumph for Pixar that is a film for everyone.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Borrowers.

Review #287: The Borrowers.

Cast
John Goodman (Ocious P. Potter), Jim Broadbent (Pod Clock), Bradley Pierce (Pete Lender), Celia Imrie (Homily Clock), Flora Newbigin (Arrietty Clock), Tom Felton (Peagreen Clock), Mark Williams (Jeff), Raymond Pickard (Spud Spiller), and Hugh Laurie (Oliver Steady) Directed by Peter Hewitt (#022 - Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey)

Review
To begin with, this was based off the book of the same name (Which apparently had four more books after that) by Mary Norton. (Yet another review of a film adpated from a book) The acting is reasonably good, with John Goodman doing the best job (Last reviewed in #074 - Monsters, Inc.), along with Broadbent (Last reviewed in #87 - Robots and...#124 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.) and...Tom Felton...and Mark Williams. Huh- And Hugh Laurie. Probably just an odd, odd coincidence. Woah, I got way off topic here. Anyway, the effects are good enough, even being a bit imaginative at times. Its story is decent enough to run a (once again) decent length of 89 minutes. In the end, after nearly 15 years this a hidden gem.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Lawrence of Arabia.

Review #286: Lawrence of Arabia.

Cast
Peter O'Toole (T. E. Lawrence), Alec Guinness (Prince Faisel), Anthony Quinn (Auda abu Tayi), Jack Hawkins (Allenby), Omar Sharif (Ali ibn el Kharish), José Ferrer (Turkish Bey), Anthony Quayle (Harry Brighton), Claude Rains (Mr. Dryden), Arthur Kennedy (Jackson Bentley), and Donald Wolfit (General Murray) Directed by David Lean.

Review
This film is based off the life of T. E. Lawrence, who is played by Peter O'Toole. (who I've reviewed...Mostly: #158 - Ratatouille. Come to think of it, this is the first time I've reviewed Alec Guinness in anything other then Star Wars Episodes IV-VI - #113-#115.) O'Toole does a good job, but what seals the deal for me is the eyes. The eyes allure me because they give a whole new level of attention that helps the film. You might be wondering why (or not) am I not complaining about the length of the film. (216 minutes, the longest running film I've reviewed here.) An epic film is a film with grand scale and grand ideas. This is one of them (plus if I criticized the length, I'd probably get a deconstructive lesson in epic films) The rest of the actors do very well, especially Guinness and Quinn. One tiny fact I will mention is that it starts out in a way similar to Citizen Kane (#200), with an opening scene that segues into the rest of the film. The scenery is used effectively, helping the film gain its epic scale even more. While its historical accuracy remains to be debated and be analyzed, it is undeniable that this film is still really, really good, accuracy and all.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Casino Royale.

Review #285: Casino Royale.

Cast
Daniel Craig (James Bond), Eva Green (Vesper Lynd), Mads Mikkelsen (Le Chiffre), Judi Dench (M), Giancarlo Giannini (René Mathis), Jeffrey Wright (Felix Leiter), Simon Abkarian (Alex Dimitrios), Caterina Murino (Solange Dimitrios), Ivana Miličević (Valenka) Isaach de Bankolé (Steven Obanno), and Jesper Christensen (Mr. White) Directed by Martin Campbell (#173 - Goldeneye and #220 - Green Lantern)

Review
After Die Another Day (Also known as Buy Another Day or as I like to call it, Ice Another Day) had a mediocre way for Brosnan to end his run as Bond, their would be a new actor and a new approach but with two familiar faces: Martin Campbell, the director of the Bond film that kept the series going even into the 90's (Even if he directed Green Lantern) and Judi Dench back as M. So how is it? Really good. To begin with, Daniel Craig does an impressive job as Bond, reminding me of Timothy Dalton with a bit of Connery mixed in to make a entirely new-ish, yet familiar-ish Bond. This is based off the 1953 novel of the same name by Ian Fleming, which was the first in the series (Yet it wasn't the first made, Dr. No was, which was the 6th written back in 1958.) The story and action is good, a definite improvement from the last film. The supporting cast is excellent, including Dench. The first sign of a new yet better Bond film is the opening sequence. And if you wanted me to compare (compare being a loose word here) this Casino Royale to the Casino Royale (#224) from 1967...The 2006 one wins. Now it's nice to know I've now reviewed a Bond film from 5 of the 6 actors. This is a really good film that might one of the best Bond films.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Sesame Street Presents: Follow that Bird.

Review #284: Sesame Street Presents: Follow that Bird.

Cast
Caroll Spinney (Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Bruno the Trashman), Frank Oz (Bert, Grover, and Cookie Monster), Sally Kellerman (Miss Finch), Jim Henson (Ernie, Kermit the Frog), Jerry Nelson (Count von Count, Herry Monster), Richard Hunt (Gladys the Cow, Feathered Friends Owl), Martin P. Robinson (Mr. Snuffleupagus, Telly Monster, Grouch Diner Patron), Bob McGrath (Bob), Roscoe Orman (Gordon), Linda Bove (Linda), Sonia Manzano (Maria), Emilio Delgado (Luis), Loretta Long (Susan), Alaina Reed (Olivia), Kermit Love (Willy), Joe Flaherty (Sid Sleaze), Dave Thomas (Sam Sleaze), and Waylon Jennings. Directed by Ken Kwapis.

Review
This was the first of two feature length Sesame Street films. (The other being The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland) As most of you should already know, Sesame Street is a television show created 43 years ago on November 10, 1969 that has teached children to this day. The film uses one of its biggest (pun intended) characters of the show, Big Bird to be the main focus. Does it work? I think you know the answer: Yes. It's imaginative and so heart warming with a multitude of characters that if I listed them all, I would probably be here all day. This film might actually make a smile or about 20 of them happen, like it did with me. In the end, this film has aged as well as the show has, still doing a good, if not great job of entertaining, yet teaching as well. Happy 43 years, Sesame Street.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: King Kong (1933).

Review #283: King Kong.

Cast
Bruce Cabot (Jack Driscoll), Fay Wray (Ann Darrow), Robert Armstrong (Carl Denham), Frank Reicher (Captain Englehorn), and James Flavin (Briggs. Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack.

Review
King Kong is one of those effects-worthy films that live on and on. But is the film good for that? Yep. To begin with, the film's stop-motion animation by Willis O'Brien still lives up after nearly 80 years. It might be primitive to some, but give it credit as technology for films back then probably didn't extend to just "give some effects, it doesn't matter what" I love the way Kong looks, especially that toothy grin along with the dinosaurs. Yes, dinosaurs. (Have I ever said a sentence with dinosaurs? Probably not.) There is one thing that bothers me and that is the main lead, Fay Wray. My problem is that she simply screams for about half the film, which to be honest, is a bit annoying. Armstrong on the other hand is actually delightful, probably due to his portrayal. The film has a reasonable length (Though their were scenes that were taken out of the original film, one involving crabs.) that balances well and makes for a good film.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Brave Little Toaster.

Review #282: The Brave Little Toaster

Cast
Deanna Oliver (Toaster), Timothy E. Day (Blanky), Tim Stack (Lampy), Jon Lovitz (Radio), Thurl Ravenscroft (Kirby), Wayne Kaatz (Rob), Phil Hartman, and Joe Ranft (Elmo St. Peters) Directed by Jerry Rees.

Review
Well, this is a new premise. Spy agents? Seen there, done that. Battles in space? Seen it, reviewed it. A film about appliances that travel to find their old master? That's just...inventive (Okay, okay, this was based of a novel by Thomas Disch, but that's still creative either way) But you have to have a good film to fulfill the inventive premise. Does it? Yeah. By a lot. The acting is loads of fun, especially with Deanna Oliver and Jon Lovitz leading the way, with a minor, but significant performance by Phil Hartman. This is a tale of dark themes that entertains as well as frightens at the same time. 25 years have passed, and the film is gaining reputation as a hidden classic, as it should be. The film explores themes combined with brilliant animation that still works in the right socket after 25 years.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Living Daylights.

Review #281: The Living Daylights.

Cast
Timothy Dalton (James Bond), Maryam d'Abo (Kara Milovy), Jeroen Krabbé (Georgi Koskov), Joe Don Baker (Brad Whitaker), John Rhys-Davies (Leonid Pushkin), Art Malik (Kamran Shah), Andreas Wisniewski (Necros), Thomas Wheatley (Saunders), Robert Brown (M), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), Geoffrey Keen (Frederick Gray), and Caroline Bliss (Miss Moneypenny) Directed by John Glen.

Review
This is the fourth and final film review of Bond films (that were intended for posting yesterday). I've moved from the era of Connery to the short thought of  Lazenby to Connery again to Timothy Dalton (sorry for skipping Roger Moore, but that will be rectified in the future), so how is this one? This was released 25 years ago (it's been 50 years since Dr. No so in a way its the middle ground anniversary., and this just happens to be the 15th film in the franchise). After A View to A Kill, a new actor would be hired, Timothy Dalton (originally was offered the role for On Her Majesty's Secret Service). How is Dalton? He's...Middle ground. He is definitely an improvement over Lazenby, but I don't exactly think he beats Connery here. Dalton is allright, but I feel something doesn't click as well as what happened with Brosnan. The plot is allright, but I barely recognized the villian in the film as well I did with Dr. No/Grant/Blofeld. The supporting cast is allright, and the action works well. While this isn't a great film, it is at least a well film at gives the franchise good solid footing.

Overall, I give it 007 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Diamonds Are Forever.

Review #280: Diamonds Are Forever.

Cast
Sean Connery (James Bond), Jill St. John (Tiffany Case), Charles Gray (Ernst Blofeld), Jimmy Dean (Willard Whyte), Bruce Glover (Mr. Wint), Putter Smith (Mr. Kidd), Norman Burton (Felix Leiter), Joseph Furst (Metz), Lana Wood (Plenty O'Toole), Bruce Cabot (Bert Saxby), Bernard Lee (M), Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny), and Desmond Llewelyn (Q) Directed by Guy Hamilton.

Review
When I said a familiar face for this film, I mean they just lured Connery back for one more Bond film. How is it though? Well...Think of it like this. It is if you combined a good aspect of the Bond films (Bond himself) and some silliness with the intent to make the film more light-hearted yet fun and you get: A mess. That or Die Another Day. It's a bit of a downgrade from On Her Majesty's Secret Service (try saying that 5 times fast), not as good as From Russia with Love and Dr. No. It's main flaw is that it just feels like a weird experiment that went wrong somewhere along the way. Connery tries his best, but he is downgraded by silly things, such as Bond getting in a chase sequence with a moon buggy and a plot of a laser by diamonds. The supporting cast is okay at best. St. John is a step down from Rigg and the Bond girls before her. A new actor for Blofeld who is relatively decent (though I wish he would've been bald, to match the previous two times), though not particularly menacing. The action may be decent, but action and Connery just isn't enough to save this. In the end, this is a disappointment that is a not so satisfying way for Connery to end his run as Bond for the second and last time (however there was Never Say Never Again with Connery released in 1983 though like Casino Royale - #224 it wasn't produced by EON Productions). Speaking of Bond, there's one more to cover.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

Review #279: On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

Cast
George Lazenby (James Bond), Diana Rigg (Tracy di Vicenzo), Telly Savalas (Ernst Blofeld), Gabriele Ferzetti (Marc-Ange Draco), Ilse Steppat (Irma Bunt), George Baker (Hilary Bray), Bernard Lee (M), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), and Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny) Directed by Peter Hunt.

Review
Ah, George Lazenby. Who? After Sean Connery left the role of James Bond in 1967 (After 5 films from 1962-1967), Lazenby was chosen to replace him. (Fun fact: Timothy Dalton was originally offered the role) Made at the turn of the 60's, I wondered if this would be any good. Is it? Well...Okay. Let me back up. The action is allright and the scenery is good with a plot very different from the last two, which gives it a new feel. But of course the main thing that determines it is..the supporting cast is good, including Diana Rigg (Who might be known from The Avengers of 1960's fame) Okay, okay, I was mildly joking about it being the main thing. As for Lazenby, he is...mild in his performance as Bond, not as great as Connery. But here's the thing. His name is not Connery. But this was expected. See, film series (and shows) sometimes change actors, and the first (or the fan's favorite) is inevitably compared to the next actor. Lazenby may not be a great Bond, but he at least makes an attempt to do something new with Bond. Not a great attempt, but still. The film is a bit lengthy, but in the end the film still has its moments of shine. After production, Lazenby would not play James Bond ever again, so the producers would get a familar face to do the next film...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: From Russia with Love.

Review #278: From Russia with Love.

Cast
Sean Connery (James Bond), Daniela Bianchi (Tatiana Romanova), Pedro Armendáriz (Ali Kerim Bey), Lotte Lenya (Rosa Klebb), Robert Shaw (Red Grant), Bernard Lee (M), Walter Gotell (Morzeny), and Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny) Directed by Terence Young (#150 - Dr. No)

Review
Dr. No was a big success, and so the studio would get a green-light for another Bond film, which was released 1 year after with Connery playing the role once again. How is it? It's good, I can tell you that. Whereas Dr. No suffered due to it being a bit slow with a villain of not exact threat, this is an improvement over it. I find this more defined as a film. It knows what it wants and Connery has more of the same charisma that helps this film out. At times it does indeed seem slow, but I find it still intrigues you into keep watching even in the dullest moments. The rest of the cast, including Bianchi and Shaw, are good. The action is relatively decent. In the end, out of the Bond films I've reviewed here (Dr. No, Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day, along with a parody - Casino Royale), this is the best so far of the films. So far being the emphasis here.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Rocky II.

Review #277: Rocky II.

Cast
Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa), Talia Shire (Adrian), Burt Young (Paulie), Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed), Burgess Meredith (Mickey), Tony Burton (Tony Evers), and Sylvia Meals (Mary Anne Creed) Directed by Sylvester Stallone (#047 - The Expendables)

Review
It's a new month, a month washed away from the horrors of October and into something anew. And I what do I review for the first of the month? A sequel to a film I've reviewed here. How long has it been since my review of Rocky? Really, really long, back in December. December 2010, to be exact. (#003 - Rocky) 274 reviews later, here I am. So how is the sequel? It is without a doubt...A good film. I think it rivals the first film in terms of quality, as it springs more character development, more emotional issues, and more...Stallone, who wrote along with directed (doing the latter until the fifth film). The acting is good, Weathers gets more of a chance to just be angry, but you do feel for him and why he is angry. The boxing here is a bit more tense here, and in the end it has a good conclusion for a film that still lives on to this day as a strong sequel to an already strong first film.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Halloween III: Season of the Witch.

Review #276: Halloween III: Season of the Witch.

Cast
Tom Atkins (Dr. Daniel Challis), Stacey Nelkin (Ellie Grimbridge), Dan O'Herlihy (Conal Cochran), Michael Currie (Rafferty), Ralph Strait (Buddy Kupfer), Jadeen Barbor (Betty Kupfer), Brad Schacter (Buddy Kupfer Jr), Garn Stephens (Marge Guttman), Al Berry (Harry Grimbridge), and Wendy Wessberg (Teddy) Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace.

Review
One year after Halloween II, a new Halloween film would be released, but it would be taken in an entirely different direction, with no Michael Myers with a different plot around Halloween (The first two films were basically a two-parter) In theory, this could work. With the original producers (John Carpenter and Debra Hill) and different writers (Tommy Lee Wallace (who also directed this) and Nigel Kneale) to handle it, this had some potential. What happens in the film is what probably the reason the franchise would never have a film with no Michael Myers after this. Why? Its flaw isn't because there isn't no Michael (Remember that the name was Halloween, not "The Michael Myers Franchise", unlike a certain franchise...), it is because it just isn't that engaging. The plot isn't very sensible. It involves killing kids on Halloween all at the same time with masks that somehow manages to involves robots. Yes, robots. My question in all this: Why? For a ritual? What purpose would it do? Also, what is the Witch in the title? The film has decent acting, with a good synthesiser score (Done by John Carpenter, who did the score (along with directing the first film) for the last two) It's a bit odd with the brief moments that show the first one, a film within a film. In the end, the film has some scares with decent acting, but it's plagued by an odd plot in a film doomed to be the so called step child of the franchise. I will give this some credit for at least trying not to repeat the same thing over and over again. Funny to review this on this particular date, as I reviewed the first one (#068) one year ago to this day, with the second being reviewed 200 reviews after the first. Is there a "spooky connection"? Uh...No. Happy (or not so really) 30 years to the film, and Happy Halloween everyone.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Friday the 13th (1980)

Review #275: Friday the 13th.

Cast
Betsy Palmer (Mrs. Voorhees), Adrienne King (Alice), Harry Crosby (Bill), Laurie Bartram (Brenda), Mark Nelson (Ned), Jeannine Taylor (Marcie), Robbi Morgan (Annie), Kevin Bacon (Jack), Peter Brouwer (Steve Christy), and Ari Lehman (Jason Voorhees) Directed by Sean S. Cunningham.

Review
You might be wondering "Why would you review this on a Monday and not on a Friday the 13th?" If I did, I'd have to wait until September 13, 2013 for the next Friday the 13th, and I'd rather get the first film out of the way to keep going with the past few days. So how is it? Uh...Eh. Just...Eh. To begin with, the film starts out with an opening sequence of a person eventually killing their first victims. Does that sound familiar? Maybe it's just me, but it really sounds like a cabin version of the opening sequence of Halloween. Then again, that sequence had much better suspense. And better music. It then goes with teenagers who set up to be ended off later, which...is eh? The film is kinda boring at some points, when it's just the teens playing around. But then there's the violence of it. In a way...it works. Why does it work here then in Halloween II? Because it didn't feel so forced (The blood was added to make Halloween II more "scary") It works in some shots (such as the knife through a certain breathing area) and not as much in others. While the acting is okay at best with a plot that is upwardly straightforward easy, it has some watchability with at least a few scares to make...an standardly okay film. Even if this would start a franchise. Fun to note this is my 275th Review.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: White Zombie.

Review #274: White Zombie.

Cast
Béla Lugosi ('Murder' Legendre), Madge Bellamy (Madeleine Short Parker), John Harron (Neil Parker), Robert Frazer (Charles Beaumont), Clarence Muse (The Coach driver), Joseph Cawthorn (Dr. Bruner), Brandon Hurst (Silver), George Burr Macannan (Von Gelder), Frederick Peters (Chauvin), and Annette Stone (Maid) Directed by Victor Halperin.

Review
It has been 80 years, but does it still hold up. In a way, yes, but in another...not so much. On the negative side (for once I do this first), the film's acting is not really good. With the exception of Lugosi, the actors aren't really inspired, not as good as Dracula (#071), it just feels dull. But then what is the main thing that saves it? Bela Lugosi and his eyes. The way he stares at the camera (or the person, whatever) is really gripping at you, almost as much as in Village of the Dmmned (#270) While it isn't as good as other horror films of its time, it did introduce one aspect that would live on to this day: Zombies. So there you go.

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Cincinnati Kid.

Review #273: The Cincinnati Kid.

Cast
Steve McQueen (Eric "The Kid" Stoner), Edward G. Robinson (Lancey "The Man" Howard), Karl Malden (Shooter), Ann-Margret (Melba), Rip Torn (Slade), Tuesday Weld (Christian), Joan Blondell (Lady Fingers), Jack Weston (Pig), and Cab Calloway (Yeller) Directed by Norman Jewison (#127 - Rollerball)

Review
Based off the novel by Richard Jessup, the Cincinnati Kid is a good ol' flick. Interesting enough, this is my first film review with Steve McQueen and Edward G. Robinson (Karl Malden has already been reviewed here before: #109 - A Streetcar Named Desire and #110 - On the Waterfront) How are the main leads? They are, without a doubt, good. You feel for both of the characters, not really wanting either one to lose, though the supporting cast's portrayals of the others do help out make the film more defined. It makes poker a bit more interesting then usual in a film that fits in as a good classic.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)

Review #272: The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Cast
Peter Cushing (Sherlock Holmes), André Morell (John Watson), Christopher Lee (Henry Baskerville), Marla Landi (Cecile Stapleton), Ewen Solon (Stapleton), Francis de Wolff (Richard Mortimer), Miles Malleson (Frankland), John Le Mesurier (Barrymore), and David Oxley (Hugo Baskerville), Directed by Terrance Fisher (#257 - The Curse of Frankenstein and #258 - Dracula.)

Review
Once again I'm reviewing a Hammer film with who else but with Cushing, Lee, and Fisher all involved. And it is grand in its approach and it is also a lot of fun. This is adapted from the 1902 novel by Arthur Conan Doyle of the same name (Strangely enough, I've read the book. Me reading a book and then the film based upon that? Impossible!), and it has been adaped into film and television over 20 times since the first in 1914. Anyway, the acting is good here, with Cushing and Morell doing a really good job conveying the two they are meant to portraying, Holmes and Watson. Lee does a fine job here (He's moved from being Dracula to the Creature to a character who speaks a good deal of dialogue.) It does change from the novel (such as having a sacrifice, a tarantula and a mine shaft involved along with giving a certain thing a mask instead of phosphorus paint.) But I won't be angry for that. Why? Because the film still keeps to its roots of just being a detective mystery that is still a lot of fun, deviations and all.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: House of Wax.

Review #271: House of Wax.

Cast
Vincent Price (Henry Jarrod), Frank Lovejoy (Tom Brennan), Phyllis Kirk (Sue Allen), Paul Picerni (Scott Andrews), Carolyn Jones (Cathy Gray), Roy Roberts (Matthew Burke), Angela Clarke (Mrs. Andrews), Paul Cavanagh (Sidney Wallace), and Dabbs Greer (Jim Shane) Directed by André de Toth.

Review
House of Wax is actually a remake of the 1933 film, Mystery of the Wax Museum (And by sheer coincidence this would be remade again in 2005.) However, I haven't watched the original, which means I'll be a bit lenient on this film. How is this film that just so happened to be filmed in the biggest gimmick of the 50's (3-D? Oh course!) and nowadays? It's allright. Even though I'm watching it on a TV and not in 3-D (This was the second 3-D feature, the first being Bwana Devil.), it is still a treat to watch. The scene I find memorable is when a person is using a paddleball into the camera, to give an effect of 3-D (Ironic given the director of this film was blind in one eye) Vincent Price does a spendid performance (My second time reviewing him, first being #230 - The Great Mouse Detective.) The film is interesting at times, with Price the main star and the one with the most fun.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Village of the Damned (1960).

Review #270: Village of the Damned.

Cast
George Sanders (Gordon Zellaby), Barbara Shelley (Anthea Zellaby), Martin Stephens (David Zellaby), Michael Gwynn (Alan Bernard), Laurence Naismith (Doctor Willers), Richard Warner (Harrington), Jenny Laird (Mrs. Harrington), Sarah Long (Evelyn Harrington) Directed by Wolf Rilla.

Review
This film was based off the novel The Midwich Cuckoos, by John Wyndham in 1957 which has been adapted into two movies and radio adaptations, with this film being one such adaptation. So how is it? It is..creepily delectable. The acting is good, especially from Martin Stephens (one of the main children), who does a creepy, yet useful performance. The main leads do a stand-up job as well, but this is not the only thing that helps out, that would be the chiller aspects (It was chilly in my house while watching this) The eyes are the thing that gets me everytime they get shown, as are just the idea of children advancing rapidly in a small village. I wish the film could've been a bit longer so there could be some more scares (Barely lasts longer then Batman: Mask of the Phantasm), but oh well. In the end, this is an excellent film filled with scares and chills.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.

Review #269: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.

Cast
Kevin Conroy (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Dana Delany (Andrea Beaumont), Mark Hamill (The Joker), Hart Bochner (Arthur Reeves), Stacy Keach (Carl Beaumont and Voice of the Phantasm), Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. (Alfred Pennyworth), Abe Vigoda (Salvatore Valestra), Dick Miller (Charles "Chuckie" Sol), John P. Ryan (Buzz Bronski), Bob Hastings (Commissioner James Gordon), and Robert Costanzo (Harvey Bullock) Directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm.

Review
This was directed by the creators of Batman: The Animated Series, which was a very well acclaimed show in the 1990's that would get a movie, which is this. This was the third (or fourth if you count the 1966 Batman film) Batman film released, though it was different from the first two (though released one year after Batman Returns and two years before Batman Forever.) Anyway, the film has a lot going for it, with a beautiful opening sequence showing Gotham City. The plot is alright, but I find that it is a bit hampered by the flashbacks in the beginning that while it gives important info for the rest of the film, it feels like a distraction. But the animation is good, with the animation of the show a bit improved to make it more like a film. The middle to the end get interesting as the Joker comes in. And he is...really good. Out of the 4 actors that have played him, he might just tie Nicholson and Ledger's performances for best Joker (although Romero isn't a bad Joker by any means) The rest of the actors including Conroy, are good. I wish the film could had been longer, as the run time is only 76 minutes. In the end, it's a good film that while not better then Batman or The Dark Knight, certainly beats the two films that followed this (Batman Forever and Batman & Robin) by a long shot.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Halloween II.

Review #268: Halloween II.

Cast
Jamie Lee Curtis (Laurie Strode), Donald Pleasence (Dr. Sam Loomis), Lance Guest (Jimmy Lloyd), Tawny Moyer (Jill Franco), Ana Alicia (Janet Marshall), Ford Rainey (Frederick Mixter), Gloria Gifford (Virginia Alves), Leo Rossi (Budd Scarlotti), Hunter von Leer (Gary Hunt), Cliff Emmich (Berand Garrett), Nancy Stephens (Marion Chambers), Charles Cyphers (Leigh Brackett), and Dick Warlock (The Shape) Directed by Rick Rosenthal.

Review
It is near the time of Halloween (six days in fact. Ooh, the number 6 is spooky? Not really), so I'm reviewing a film called...Hallowen. Wait, I already did that (#68. The original, not the remake thank goodness.) This is the sequel to that film, continuing the events of the first film. In fact, I'll continue from the last line of that review: "It does the scares slowly but steady, building up to a conclusion that mystifies you." Indeed those words stand up 200 reviews later. Woah. It's been 200 reviews since I reviewed the last one. That's probably the largest gap between reviewing a sequel I've done, which astounds me. I'm getting off track here the question here is this sequel as good as the first? Yes...and no. Pleasence and Curtis do a good job while the supporting cast' acting is relatively decent. It has some good moments at times, but it has one flaw that doesn't make it as good as the first: Its violence. You might think that's a bit odd, given the film, but it feels a bit too excessive for my taste, where as the first film did a better job of conveying it (Examples are when Michael slashes some throats in close up, dunks a person's head in hot water or even when he uses a needle to stab someone.) While the film continues the cliffhanger from the first film with some class, it doesn't rise up to the occasion as the first did. It does have a great way of ending the film and it could have ended the story perfectly. Could have being the main word here.

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Casper.

Review #267: Casper.

Cast
Bill Pullman (Dr. James Harvey), Christina Ricci (Kathleen "Kat" Harvey), Malachi Pearson (Casper), Cathy Moriarty (Carrigan Crittenden), Eric Idle (Dibs), Joe Nipote (Stretch), Joe Alaskey (Stinkie), Brad Garrett (Fatso) and Ben Stein. Directed by Brad Silberling.

Review
What could go wrong with a film based on an animated cartoon series is my first question. How is the film is the next question. The answers will all be revealed (Hate when they say that) It has been a while since I've seen something of Pullman and Ricci (#193 -Independence Day. #77 - The Addams Family and #78 - Addams Family Values, respectivly.), and they do a fine job, given the material. It's a bit odd and off at times, some of the jokes don't stick as well (Though I kinda liked one line: "Who are you gonna call? Someone else.", by Dan Aykroyd of all people) The scenery and effects look pretty decent, unless you realize the actors sometimes talk to nothing (a common thing with CGI) It's slightly hokey at odd times, its acting from the other actors (Moriarty in particular) isn't exactly great or isn't used well enough (Idle), but the film still has a good charm to it and Pearson is actually good (My odd belief of child actors not being great is trading waters) It has a good Halloween feel to it, ghosts and all.

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Robot Monster.

Review #266: Robot Monster.

Cast
George Nader (Roy), Claudia Barrett (Alice), Selena Royle (Mother), John Mylong (Professor), Gregory Moffett (Johnny), Pamela Paulson (Carla), George Barrows (Ro-Man), and John Brown (Voice of Ro-Man) Directed by Phil Tucker.

Review
Oh, boy, here we are, Robot Monster. The title isn't much, a robot who is...a monster, I suppose. Made from a budget of $16,000, this film was orignally made in 3-D (Ah 3-D, why do you live on...) The makers of the film didn't have money to make a costume, so they used a gorilla suit with a diving helmet instead. And it's...pretty funny, actually. This could actually be a comedy if you redubbed the lines because of the robot- I'm sorry "Ro-Man" as he is called. The film actually made a profit in its time (People apparently love to watch aliens invading a whole lot) If this was a mirror to Earth vs. the Flying Saucers, this would repersent the laughable opposite of it with decent acting, odd props, and a laughable, yet kind of smileworthy alien. In the end, the film is ridiculous in some points and unintentionally funny in the rest. You'll get more chills of laughter than actually scares, but oh well.

Overall, I give it 3 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Earth vs. the Flying Saucers.

Review #265: Earth vs. the Flying Saucers.

Cast
Hugh Marlowe (Russell A. Marvin), Joan Taylor (Carol Marvin), Donald Curtis (Major Huglin), Morris Ankrum (John Hanley), John Zaremba (Professor Kanter), and Paul Frees (Voice of the Aliens) Directed by Fred F. Sears (#255 - The Giant Claw)

Review
This film is noted for its special effects done by Ray Harryhausen, who I have covered before in Clash of the Titans (#064) and Jason and the Argonauts (#111). And like those films, the effects here are excellent. The flying saucer design made by Harryhausen works so well because they move in a way not seen before. This film is compared to another saucer-ish film reviewed here, Independence Day (#193. Then again any movie that involves invaders with saucers coming from an alien planet to Earth could be a comparison.) But the film is different and better than the other because it uses its premise to make a better than expected film combined with excellent effects once again by Harryhausen. Truly a good "B-movie"

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Mr. Bug Goes to Town.

Review #264: Mr. Bug Goes to Town.

Cast
Stan Freed (Hoppity), Pauline Loth (Honey), Tedd Pierce (C. Bagley Beetle), Jack Mercer (Mr. Bumble / Swat), Kenny Gardner (Dick), Gwen Williams (Mary), and Carl Meyer (Smack) Directed by Dave Fleischer.

Review
Mr. Bug Goes to Town would be the second and last film made by Fleischer Studios, in late 1941. Oddly enough this was an original story, not based off a tale (Though there were plans for it to be) In the end, the film...works. It's an odd story filled with weird characters and frantic animation. And I love it. Ths film has some good moments, particularly the chase scenes and the dancing sequencr, which showcase some good animation and a bit of comedy. The story works, even if again it is a bit odd (It's less odd in Antz actually) You might wondering if I gave this some praise, why did Fleischer Studios only make two animated features. The short answer is really, really bad luck. See, it was released on December 5, 1941, two days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, which lead to financial disaster, leading to the ousting of the Fleischers and the end of the studio and some classics as we know it. It may have oddities, but it is an improvement from Gulliver's Travels, being a hidden gem.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Gulliver's Travels.

Review #263: Gulliver's Travels.

Cast
Sam Parker (Gulliver), Pinto Colvig (Gabby), Jack Mercer (King Little, Sneak, Snoop, and Snitch), Tedd Pierce (King Bombo), Jessica Dragonette (Princess Glory), and Lanny Ross (Prince David) Directed by Dave Fleischer.

Review
Gulliver's Travels is based off the tale of the same name by Jonathan Swift, which has been adapted into film a few times, this being one of them. It might interest you to know this was the first made by a company other than Disney and only the second cel-animated feature film ever released (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs being first) This was made by Fleischer Studios (Created by Dave and Max Fleischer), who also did the 1940s Superman shorts and Popeye. So how it after over 70 years? It's...Not bad. It definitely is different then Disney in the range of animation (This uses rotoscoping for Gulliver, rotoscoping being live action footage being traced frame by frame.) It doesn't run very long, but it does boast enough usefulness to keep relevance throughout. This was a big success for Fleischer Studios, and they would make another animated film film two years later in 1941...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Corpse Bride.

Review #262: Corpse Bride.

Cast
Johnny Depp (Victor Van Dort), Helena Bonham Carter (Emily), Emily Watson (Victoria Everglot), Tracey Ullman (Nell Van Dort/Hildegarde), Paul Whitehouse (William Van Dort/Mayhew), Joanna Lumley (Maudeline Everglot), Albert Finney (Lord Finis Everglot), Richard E. Grant (Lord Barkis Bittern), Christopher Lee (Gallswells) and Michael Gough (Elder Gutknecht) Directed by Tim Burton (#40 - Batman, #107 - Beetlejuice, #132 - Alice in Wonderland, and #196 - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and Mike Johnson.

Review
Once again I'm reviewing a Tim Burton film, and it is filled with familiar faces (This is the 3rd review with Johnny Depp, the 8th with Helena Bonham Carter, and the 7th with Christopher Lee.) So how is this film? It's...Good. Not great, but good. The animation is stellar, and it does have a well developed story. The acting is stellar, Depp and Carter do a fine a job along with the rest of the supporting cast (One standout being Richard E. Grant portraying an excellent villain) It has some good moments combined with good animation and acting to make a good film. A good success in all in all. The month is nearly over, but October is still going well.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Review #261: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Cast
Werner Krauss (Dr. Caligari), Conrad Veidt (Cesare), Friedrich Fehér (Francis), Lil Dagover (Jane Olsen), Hans Heinrich von Twardowski (Alan), and Rudolf Lettinger (Dr. Olsen) Directed by Robert Wiene.

Review
This is the second German film reviewed here, and it figures to have be a silent film from a while back. A really long while back from 1920. Like Nosferatu, this is a silent film. How is it then? Good. Its jagged buildings combined with a creative expression filled story give a chilling feel to the film. The actors convey a good amount of movement, which is required in a way to keep a movie going. The film also delivers what is considered to be the first twist enging in film history, and...it works. It really does. In the end, it's a greatfully designed film with good chills to make a great film.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Wolf Man (1941).

Review #260: The Wolf Man.

Cast
Lon Chaney, Jr (Larry Talbot/The Wolf Man), Claude Rains (John Talbot), Warren William (Dr. Lloyd), Ralph Bellamy (Colonel Montford), Patric Knowles (Frank Andrews), Béla Lugosi (Bela), and Maria Ouspenskaya (Maleva) Directed by George Waggner.

Review
The Wolf Man was only the second film released by Universal Pictures (Dracula, Frankenstein & The Invisible Man - #069, #071 & #072) involving werewolves, the first being Werewolf in London back in 1935. This is my first foray with Lon Chaney, Jr (Who I have heard about before as was his father before him), and he does a good job, as does Claude Rains (who is very familiar: The Invisible Man, #102 - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and #125 - Casablanca). The film has good moments, mostly in the last act with the makeup. It starts off slowly, but eventually gets better. It's a flick not as good as Dracula or Frankenstein, but it come close. By sheer coincidence, today just happens to be Béla Lugosi's birthday (who also is in this film).

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: This is Cinerama.

Review #259: This is Cinerama.

Cast
Lowell Thomas. Directed by Merian C. Cooper.

Review
Cinerama simultaneously projected images from three synchronized 35 mm projectors onto a huge, deeply-curved screen, with this being the first Cinerama film (Other being How the West Was Won) How did I see this? On a special presentation by TCM will a reconstruction to the nearest degree in Smilevision to make it feel like Cinerama. How is it? It's decent. It shows some real good shots and real nice things (The only credited person for the film is Lowell Thomas, who is seen in the first few minutes.) It's a film that was revolutionary for its time that influenced widescreen as we know today.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Dracula (1958)

Review #258: Dracula.

Cast
Peter Cushing (Doctor Van Helsing), Christopher Lee (Count Dracula), Michael Gough (Arthur Holmwood), Melissa Stribling (Mina Holmwood), Carol Marsh (Lucy Holmwood), John Van Eyssen (Jonathan Harker), Janina Faye (Tania), Charles Lloyd-Pack (Doctor Seward), George Merritt (Policeman), and George Woodbridge (Landlord) Directed by Terence Fisher (#257 - The Curse of Frankenstein)

Review
One year later after The Curse of Frankenstein's big success, there would an adaptation of the classic novel Dracula, by Bram Stoker. Cushing and Lee are once again here, and they click here as well. Actually, the whole film works. The scenery looks good, some nice shots in the castle, giving a bit of mood. I don't want to forget Michael Gough and his good performance as well. The film is good, having some chilling moments and in glorious Technicolor. Lastly, the end scene is very climatic, with some really good effects used. In the end, this film works, just like The Curse of Frankenstein, but in an entirely different, but a good way. It's fitting to review both a Frankenstein and a Dracula film, having done this once before (#071 - Dracula and #072 - Frankenstein)

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Curse of Frankenstein.

Review #257: The Curse of Frankenstein.

Cast
Peter Cushing (Baron Victor von Frankenstein), Christopher Lee (The Creature), Hazel Court (Elizabeth), Robert Urquhart (Dr. Paul Krempe), Valerie Gaunt (Justine), and Noel Hood (Aunt Sophia) Directed by Terence Fisher.

Review
Ah, Hammer. The company in 1934, with small films released before garnering its biggest fame in 1957 with the release of this film, the first of many horror films distributed and made by Hammer. And does the film deserve all the honor and prais after 55 years? Yes. The acting is good, with Cushing stealing the show (This is oly my second review involving him, the other being #113 - Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope) The effects are good, considering they had to make it not resemble Jack Pierce's famous makeup back in 1931. Speaking of that, Lee does a decent job, given he mostly stands around, lurking. It's an interesting tale that would spawn many sequels and open the door for more horror films from Hammer. Speaking of that, there is a film to link this up to...

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Nosferatu.

Review #256: Nosferatu. Cast Max Schreck (Count Orlok), Gustav von Wangenheim (Thomas Hutter), Greta Schröder (Ellen Hutter), Alexander Granach (Knock), Georg H. Schnell (Harding), Ruth Landshoff (Ruth), and John Gottowt (Professor Bulwer) Directed by F. W. Murnau. Review To begin with, this is the first silent film ever reviewed here (along with the first 1920s film reviewed), and it is the first film from Germany reviewed here (while being the 5th world cinema film). And after 90 years, this film still works in frights of delight. Originally this was an adaptation of Dracula until the Stoker estate sued for the right reason of the film company not actually having the film rights to do Dracula. But nonetheless, the film is still useful. Schreck is genuinely terrifying due to the effects, which give it a weird style that works in its own right. As a silent film, it works on its own merit. All in all, a good, if not great film. Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Giant Claw.

Review #255: The Giant Claw.

Cast
Jeff Morrow (Mitch MacAfee), Mara Corday (Sally Caldwell), Morris Ankrum (Lieutenant General Edward Considine), Lou Merrill (Pierre Broussard), Edgar Barrier (Dr. Karol Noymann), and Robert Shayne (General Van Buskirk) Directed by Fred F. Sears.

Review
Whoo, I get to review a 50's film with a "giant claw" and in a limited length of 75 minutes. So how is it? My feelings after the movie? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...To begin with, the film starts out decently, until the giant claw appears, looking...pretty silly. With a mohawk for feathers and a constant yelp, the claw actually rivals another film reviewed here with birds for silliest one ever. Which one? Birdemic: Shock and Terror (#184) Okay, maybe not that silly. The film slowly develops towards its predictable end with "meh" dialogue. How did I hear of this film? I saw a video made by James Rolfe (of Cinemassacre fame) on Monster Madness, which talked about this film. So I decided to watch the film to see all of its madness. And there we go. Although this film did inspire me to think of a new story idea: Gojira vs. The Giant Claw... On second thought, maybe not.

Overall, I give it 3 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Antz.

Review #254: Antz.

Cast
Woody Allen (Z), Sharon Stone (Princess Bala), Gene Hackman (Mandible), Sylvester Stallone (Weaver), Jennifer Lopez (Azteca), Christopher Walken (Cutter), and Anne Bancroft (Queen) Directed by Eric Darnell (#154 - Madagascar 2 and #165 - Madagascar) and Tim Johnson.

Review
You might be (or not) thinking that this is a rip off of A Bug's Life. Is it? Well...No. Pretty much the opposite. The film is more risque (in some respects) than Bug's Life, some of it being funny, some not as much. The animation is decent for 1998 standards. This was the first DreamWorks Animation film, released before The Prince of Egypt. The acting is reasonable good, even from Woody Allen (Who I seem to not like for some certain reason) The film is a typical length of 83 minutes, which is reasonable. In the end, the film has some good moments in DreamWorks Animation's first foray into film.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Unstoppable.

Review #253: Unstoppable.

Cast
Denzel Washington (Frank Barnes), Chris Pine (Will Colson), Rosario Dawson (Connie Hooper), Lew Temple (Ned Oldham), Ethan Suplee (Dewey), Kevin Dunn (Oscar Galvin), and Kevin Corrigan (Scott Werner) Directed by Tony Scott (Top Gun - #029)

Review
Personally, a runaway train is moderately frightening for me. Trains aren't used as much as they were back then when people had to use the train. What does this statement have to do with this review? I'll tell you later. It's been a long while since I've reviewed something of Tony Scott (Brother of Ridley Scott), who directed films from his first in 1983 to his last in 2010. Scott manages to keep the story interesting enough to keep watching, and...the runaway train is actually a bit frightening, with a decent climax. The acting is alright, Washington (last Review of him: Glory - #101) and Pine (last: Star Trek - #009) do a respectable job together, as does the rest of the cast. It should be a note that this was Scott's last film that he directed (I would've mentioned this earlier, but I wanted to make sure that part would be padded to the end), and it is a good way to go out.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Quiz Show.

Review #252: Quiz Show.

Cast
John Turturro (Herb Stempel), Rob Morrow (Richard Goodwin), Ralph Fiennes (Charles Van Doren), Paul Scofield (Mark Van Doren), David Paymer (Dan Elright), Hank Azaria (Albert Freedman), and Christopher McDonald (Jack Barry) Directed by Robert Redford.

Review
This film is based upon the Twenty One quiz show scandal of the 1950's, where the contestants were assisted with the questions by the producers. In short words, cheating. The subject of the film needs a good director and acting to work well. Does it? Yes. The acting works very well, with Turturro, Morrow, and Fiennes being the main standouts. All three portray characters that work in different ways. The film is nailgripping in its drama, being very well delivered, all thanks to the direction by Robert Redford. While it may not be all entirely accurate (This is a rule I should call "The Movieilization Rule"), the film still works out well, giving a good sense of drama and entertainment.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Jetsons: The Movie.

Review #251: Jetsons: The Movie.

Cast
George O'Hanlon (George Jetson), Penny Singleton (Jane Jetson), Tiffany (Judy Jetson), Patric Zimmerman (Elroy Jetson), Don Messick (Astro the Dog), Jean Vander Pyl (Rosie the Robot), and Mel Blanc (Mr. Cosmo Spacely) Directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera.

Review
To begin with, I have not ever watched The Jetsons (Which apparently was a television show from 1962) And if I really judged the show and its characters by this movie, it wouldn't be a good statement. I swear I think George is incredibly lazy (Almost as much as Homer Simpson) The rest of the cast isn't really that better. One good though is the animation. It boasts some top notch CGI in some scenes with decent drawn animation. But of course the main thing that gets me is its plot. It tries to be more in touch with the year it is (1990), and yet it still feels like the year it once was (1962) I will give praise for Mel Blanc, who does an alright job, given that this was his last film role (Mel Blanc had voiced many characters, his most famous being Bugs Bunny for over 50 years) All in all, the film falters in some areas, yet it rises a bit in other areas. And yet I'm still wondering, why did they make this film? Was it out of random or to foreshadow Tom and Jerry and The Flintstones? I don't know. But who wants to know?

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Review #250: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Cast
Sterling Holloway (Winnie-the-Pooh), Bruce Reitherman, Jon Walmsley & Timothy Turner (Christopher Robin), John Fiedler (Piglet), Ralph Wright (Eeyore), Clint Howard & Dori Whitaker (Roo), Barbara Luddy (Kanga), Paul Winchell (Tigger), Junius Matthews (Rabbit), Hal Smith (Owl), Howard Morris (Rabbit), and Sebastian Cabot (Narrator) Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman and John Lounsbery.

Review
This film is a few adventures composed into one film based off the books by A. A. Milne (With the first book Winnie the Pooh, written in 1926 and The House At Pooh Corner written in 1928) The animation is a gem, resembling like the illustrations done in the original books by E. H. Shepard. The acting is good, it makes you feel that the books have literally come to life for this film, with lots of charm, lots of fun, and lots of skill. After 35 years, this film has stood the test of time. It has remained a classic that should be adored, no wait, is adored by almost anyone that loves the tale of a bear and the adventures that surround him. And that's it. 250 Reviews. It figures to review this at the end of the month, a month that had a countdown to a new milestone all in all. I'm glad about this, and there is more to come. Thanks.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Sixteen Candles.

Review #249: Sixteen Candles.

Cast
Molly Ringwald (Samantha Baker), Michael Schoeffling (Jake Ryan), Anthony Michael Hall (Ted), Gedde Watanabe (Duk), Haviland Morris (Caroline), Paul Dooley (Jim Baker), Edward Andrews (Howard Baker), and Billie Bird (Dorothy Baker) Directed by John Hughes (The Breakfast Club - #046 and Ferris Bueller's Day Off - #207)

Review
This was John Hughes' first film that he directed and wrote, and...it's decent. While it may not be as rough as Breakfast Club or as zany as Ferris Bueller, it does have enough good gags and such to keep the film going long enough. Ringwald and the rest of the cast is memorable in their roles, which is a strength that accompanies Hughes' films. I have this one memorable conversation from the film: ("Everybody thinks I'm a dork." "I don't think you're a dork, your mother doesn't think you're a dork." "Mike thinks I'm a dork." "Mike is a dork") It has aged decently, and it is a staple of high school popculture, which does make sense. Sort of. And so, it is now time. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.