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.

Movie Night: Robin Hood: Men In Tights.

Review #248: Robin Hood: Men In Tights.

Cast
Cary Elwes (Robin Hood), Richard Lewis (Prince John), Roger Rees (Sheriff of Rottingham), Amy Yasbeck (Maid Marian), Dave Chappelle (Ahchoo), Mark Blankfield (Blinkin), Eric Allan Kramer (Little John) Matthew Porretta (Will Scarlet O'Hara), Isaac Hayes (Asneeze), Tracey Ullman (Latrine the Witch), with Patrick Stewart (King Richard), Dom DeLuise (Don Giovanni), Dick Van Patten (The Abbot), and Mel Brooks (Rabbi Tuckman) Directed by Mel Brooks (#061 - Blazing Saddles and #198 - Spaceballs)

Review
To begin with, this is be the penultimate (as of today) film Mel Brooks has directed (with his last being Dracula: Dead and Loving It), and...it kinda shows. While it does have some laughs, the film is not as funny as Spaceballs (or Blazing Saddles for that matter). Elwes does a good job, even almost as good as his role in The Princess Bride. The film has a good amount of cast members, and the film uses it decently. There are some alright gags, but they probably won't be memorable enough to say (There was this one though where Robin asks the villagers if they want to join: "Yay or nay?" "Which one is the one that means yes?" "Yay....") In a way, it is a bullseye for Brooks, but in another way, it is an arrow that misses the mark by that much.

Countdown to 250 Reviews: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2...

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Time Machine (1960)

Review #247: The Time Machine.

Cast
Rod Taylor (H. George Wells), Alan Young (David Filby/James Filby), Yvette Mimieux (Weena), Sebastian Cabot (Dr. Philip Hillyer), Tom Helmore (Anthony Bridewell), and Whit Bissell (Walter Kemp) Directed by George Pal.

Review
The Time Machine is adapted from the 1895 novel by H. G. Wells (Herbert George Wells), who also wrote The Invisible Man, The War of the Worlds, and The Island of Dr. Moreau and many more. The film, like The Invisible Man (1933 - #039), brings a lot of intrigue and spectacle. Taylor does an excellent job in a film that doesn't have much cast but has much fun and effects. After over 50 years, this film still is useful and charming enough to watch. Definitely more recommended then the 2002 remake (A remake of a classic even if the classic hasn't aged away? I'm so shocked...) It might be a bit slow at points, but this is a fun film all in all. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Star Trek Generations.

Review #246: Star Trek Generations.

Cast
Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean-Luc Picard), Jonathan Frakes (William T. Riker), Brent Spiner (Data), William Shatner (James T. Kirk), Malcolm McDowell (Soran), LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge), Michael Dorn (Worf), Gates McFadden (Beverly Crusher), Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi), Alan Ruck (John Harriman), James Doohan (Montgomery Scott), and Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov) Directed by David Carson.

Review
The last time I reviewed a Star Trek film was a month ago (#226 - Star Trek VI - The Undiscovered Country) I talked about this film for a sentence in that review: "This would be the last film for the Original Series cast (Except for Shatner, Doohan, and Koenig, who would return in Star Trek: Generations) A new generation of films would soon follow." That generation would begin with...a baton handed from one side to the other side. But does it work out well? Well...Kinda. To begin with, the baton holding isn't much holding as it is just "here ya go" The cast does an alright job, but Soren isn't a very threatening villain. His plan amounts to "Fire a rocket at Nexus and see if works", which isn't much of a evil thing when you think about it. The film uses the oddest way to kill a character by just "dropping a bridge on him" Data is...irritating? annoying? I don't know what to say. While its effects are good (including the ship crash), the film simply mishandles its opportunity of Picard and Kirk for...I don't know exactly. But oh well. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4...

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Back to School.

Review #245: Back to School.

Cast
Rodney Dangerfield (Thornton Melon), Sally Kellerman (Dr. Diane Turner), Burt Young (Lou), Keith Gordon (Jason Melon), Robert Downey, Jr. (Derek Lutz), Paxton Whitehead (Dr. Phillip Barbay), Sam Kinison (Professor Terguson), Terry Farrell (Valerie Desmond), and M. Emmet Walsh (Coach Turnbull) Directed by Alan Metter.

Review
It firgure to come back from a six day hiatus of not reviewing with a film title like this (and if you want to add to it, a few hours ago I was in school, so there). Last time I reviewed Rodney Dangerfield was in Caddyshack (#208), and I forgot to menton his role in making that film and this film a success. The way he pops out at you (especially with the eyes) gives you a sense of confusion that turns to gigles soon after. While the plot may not be a sight for the ages, the film is at least useful in its own right. Dangerfield truly was good at what he did. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Sunshine Boys.

Review #244: The Sunshine Boys.

Cast
Walter Matthau (Willy Clark), George Burns (Al Lewis), Richard Benjamin (Ben Clark), Carol Arthur (Doris Green), Rosetta Le Noire (Odessa), and Lee Meredith. Directed by Herbert Ross.

Review
To begin with, this is an interesting film, with a cast full of people I hadn't reviewed ever before (or watched for that matter) And....it works. The film after 37 years still holds up as a fun filled riot. Matthau and Burns work out well, acting like....well, a former comedy duo, which given the film, works. The film holds on steady grounds, having some long stretches that do hold your attention as the film goes on. This is a film I have no regrets of watching, which is always a good thing. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6...

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Stripes.

Review #243: Stripes.

Cast
Bill Murray (Pvt. John Winger), Harold Ramis (Pvt. Russell Ziskey), Warren Oates (Sergeant First Class Hulka), P. J. Soles (MP Stella Hansen), Sean Young (MP Louise Cooper), John Candy (Pvt. Dewey "Ox" Oxberger), John Larroquette (Captain Stillman), John Voldstad (Stillman's Aide), John Diehl (Pvt. Cruiser), Lance LeGault (Colonel Glass), Conrad Dunn (Pvt. Francis "Psycho" Soyer)Judge Reinhold (Pvt. Elmo Blum), andJoe Flaherty (Border Guard) Directed by Ivan Reitman (#026 - Ghostbusters and #031 -Ghostbusters II).

Review
This is the third film I've watched of Ivan Reitman, and the first not named Ghostbusters. And the film works out, for the most part. Murray does a good job, along with Ramis and Candy, who steals the show. The film can turn from funny to serious whenever it can, having alright direction. The film has aged alright for 1981, having weirdness, a bit of charm, and some fun all in all. That's the fact, Jack. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

Review #242: The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

Cast
Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick Star), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward Tentacles), Mr. Lawrence (Sheldon J. Plankton), Alec Baldwin (Dennis), Scarlett Johansson (Princess Mindy), and Jeffrey Tambor (King Neptune) Directed by Stephen Hillenburg.

Review
Oh dear, here we are. Based off the popular series created in 1999 by Stephen Hillenberg, this film apparently was intended to be the series finale. Intended being the main word. This film might seem like one of those annoying things that could destroy minds and make you question why this was made, but is it really? Yes and no. The animation is alright, with some good acting here and there. And...the plot does feel like a finale, which feels like closure....until you realize the show would later be renewed and continue on for more....adventures if you want to call it that. And that brings up a little flaw for me, if Plankton steals the formula (which he does), and yet loses it anyway, why didn't he just memorize it down and make his own Krabby Patties again after eventually escaping from his incarceration? While the film is at least a little funny in its approach, it'll be one of those love or hate films. I find it...Less then evil. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8...

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Despicable Me.

Review #241: Despicable Me.

Cast
Steve Carell (Gru), Jason Segel (Vector Perkins), Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Russell Brand (Dr. Nefario), Kristen Wiig (Ms. Hattie), Dana Gaier (Edith), Will Arnett (Mr. Perkins), Elsie Fisher (Agnes), Pierre Coffin (Tim, Bob, Mark, Phil, and Stuart), and Julie Andrews (Marlena) Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud.

Review
It's fitting to review this film, it really is. Why? Before watching ParaNorman yesterday, I saw some trailers for some films (Such as Hotel Transylvania and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), but one trailer I saw was one for Despicable Me 2. It looked interesting given I hadn't watched the first one. Until today...Life's a weird thing (I'd say Irony but the word probably doesn't work here) And guess what? This film is interesting and does deserve a sequel. There I said it. The animation is alright (With this being from a new studio, Illumination Entertainment) Carell and the rest of the cast do a good job, with some fun moments. While it isn't in the ballpark of Pixar, it still holds its ground, working out well. Now then, what's next to be reviewed....What? Oh boy. This is gonna be one of those films...Countdown to 250: 10, 9...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: ParaNorman.

Review #240: ParaNorman.

Cast
Kodi Smit-McPhee (Norman Babcock), Tucker Albrizzi (Neil Downe), Anna Kendrick (Courtney Babcock), Casey Affleck (Mitch Downe), Leslie Mann (Sandra Babcock), Jeff Garlin (Perry Babcock), Jodelle Ferland (Agatha Prenderghast), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Alvin), and John Goodman (Mr. Prenderghast) Directed by Sam Fell (#166 - Flushed Away) and Chris Butler.

Review
On a Saturday like this, I watched this certain film at my local Cinemark theater, the first time I've done that in a few years, and the first for a film review. On the big screen, in the dark with not much noise in the way. And the film was good. To begin with, the animation looks good. It's weird and nice at the same time, giving off a cool feel. The story works well, it gets darker as the film approaches its end, making me feel reminded of Coraline when watching it. And yet, the film is still funny. It has some good chuckles (that aren't just reserved from the trailer) that keep this smart film working all throughout. Fun fact: The Countdown to 250 begins here. 10...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Buddy Holly Story.

Review #239: The Buddy Holly Story.

Cast
Gary Busey (Buddy Holly), Don Stroud (Jesse), Charles Martin Smith (Ray Bob), Conrad Janis (Ross Turner), William Jordan (Riley), Maria Richwine (Maria Elena Santiago), Amy Johnston (Cindy Lou), Dick O'Neill (Sol Gittler), Fred Travalena (Madman Mancuso), Neva Patterson (Mrs. Ella Holly), and Arch Johnson (Lawrence Holly) Directed by Steve Rash.

Review
On September 7, 1936, Charles Hardin Holley was born in Lubbock, Texas. Holly revolutionized the rock and roll genre with his music, such as "That'll Be The Day" and "Peggy Sue" With his horn rimmed glasses and charm, he understandably rose up to stardom before his tragic death in February 3, 1959. Gary Busey fits into the role with no real stumbles, giving a good feel for the film. And yet, the film does mess with some of the facts (Most don't get all of them right, but it wouldn't hurt to try) The rest of the cast is alright, with no real exceptions. The songs work out well, given that the actors did their own singing and played their own instruments live during the filming, and it shows. A decent film; while it does mess with the facts at times, it has enough Busey and singing to help keep it rolling. Happy Birthday, Buddy.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Little Rascals.

Review #238: The Little Rascals.

Cast
Bug Hall (Alfalfa), Travis Tedford (Spanky), Brittany Ashton Holmes (Darla), Kevin Jamal Woods (Stymie), Zachary Mabry (Porky), Ross Bagley (Buckwheat), Sam Saletta (Butch), Blake Jeremy Collins (Woim), and Blake McIver Ewing (Waldo) Directed by Penelope Spheeris.

Review
Like many other (and I do mean many) movies adapted from television, this was based off a classic without any of the original members (not even a cameo). But even with those strikes against it, does the film have any hopes of doing something decent? In a few words...Meh. While the actors try at least to do something useful with their performances, the film isn't really memorable or even that fun. Youngsters will like it, but others might not as well. It made me ask a few questions though: Why is it they even have a club in the first place? Wouldn't their mothers object to it? What's with the random cameos? Why would a rich kid compete in a little car race? Why does Alfalfa's clothing remind me of the Doctor? And why am I asking questions? But oh well.

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Galaxy Quest.

Review #237: Galaxy Quest.

Cast
Tim Allen (Jason Nesmith), Sigourney Weaver (Gwen DeMarco), Alan Rickman (Alexander Dane), Tony Shalhoub (Fred Kwan), Daryl Mitchell (Tommy Webber), Sam Rockwell (Guy Fleegman), Enrico Colantoni (Mathesar), Robin Sachs (Roth'h'ar), and Justin Long (Brandon) Directed by Dean Parisot.

Review
When you think about it, this one of those parody ideas that could work or fail, depending on the right hands selected for the job. And...The right hands were selected perfectly. Allen and-no scratch that, the whole dang cast fit well into their respective modes, with some good wit (It is always nice to see Rickman in a role not involving being a villain) And I have reviewed a few of these films (3 in fact, #009 - Star Trek (2009), #225 - Star Trek V, #226 - Star Trek VI) Good wit, good characters (I imagine now that this would be William Shatner's greatest dream, to be in space and all those aliens...), and good charm. Truly this film works for anyone who wants a good laugh.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Mr. Popper's Penguins.

Review #236: Mr. Popper's Penguins.

Cast
Jim Carrey (Thomas Popper), Carla Gugino (Amanda Popper), Madeline Carroll (Janie Popper), Maxwell Perry Cotton (Billy Popper), Angela Lansbury (Selma Van Gundy), Desmin Borges ( Daryl), Philip Baker Hall (Mr. Franklin), Dominic Chianese (Mr. Reader), and Clark Gregg (Nat Jones) Directed by Mark Waters (#151 - Mean Girls, #204 - Freaky Friday)

Review
Based off the book by Richard and Florence Atwater, the film attempts to be a good-natured adaptation, and...it languishes in parts. Carrey does a standardized act, almost pulling "The Eddie Murphy Act" The rest of the cast do a standard job as well, not really going one way or the other. While it isn't really much of anything, I don't feel any hate for it, I really can't find much hate for something I hadn't heard much of in the first place. If I had to list something else for this film, I'd list the penguins are not "Stuffed Animal Approved" by my stuffed penguin. *snickers* Alright, alright, I kid.

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Space Jam.

Review #235: Space Jam.

Cast
Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight, with Billy West (Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd), Dee Bradley Baker (Daffy Duck and Tasmanian Devil), Danny DeVito (Mister Swackhammer), Bob Bergen (Porky Pig, Tweety and Marvin the Martian), Bill Farmer (Sylvester, Yosemite Sam and Foghorn Leghorn), June Foray (Granny), Kath Soucie (Lola Bunny), and Bill Murray. Directed by Joe Pytka.

Review
It has been a long time since I've mentioned Looney Tunes (#007 - Looney Tunes: Back in Action), but here I am. This was the first theatrical Looney Tunes film, released 6 years before Back in Action. In a weird way, this is a surreal experience. Try saying this sentence "Michael Jordan tries to act in a film with Looney Tunes characters" without thinking "What the heck are you talking about?" Needless to say, the film does have its moments and its odd bits, but it is mildly entertaining to say nonetheless. While Jordan isn't exactly acting (He acts more confused and bewildered, though that may have been the point), the film at least tries to do something with its time to assure that this is not just Michael Jordan: Ego Trip. And with that, that's all folks.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Hoodwinked!

Review #234: Hoodwinked!

Cast
Anne Hathaway (Red Puckett), Glenn Close (Granny Puckett), Jim Belushi (Kirk, the Woodsman), Patrick Warburton (Wolf W. Wolf), Anthony Anderson (Det. Bill Stork), David Ogden Stiers (Det. Nicky Flippers), Xzibit (Chief Ted Grizzly), Chazz Palminteri (Woolworth), Andy Dick (Boingo), Cory Edwards (Twitchy), Benjy Gaither (Japeth the Goat), Ken Marino (Raccoon Jerry), and Tom Kenny (Tommy) Directed by Cory Edwards, Todd Edwards, and Tony Leech.

Review
From what I've learned, this is one of the first independently produced computer animated films, and it does show. With a budget of less then $8 million dollars, the animation is severly lacking in some parts. And yet the film still is a lesson in how to follow your ambitions of making films with limited budgets. The cast can be fun at times, but the film feels more like Shrek at other times, being a moderately decent film hampered by some flaws.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: 2010.

Review #233: 2010.

Cast
Roy Scheider (Heywood Floyd), John Lithgow (Dr. Walter Curnow), Helen Mirren (Tanya Kirbuk), Bob Balaban (Dr. Chandra), Keir Dullea (Dave Bowman), and Douglas Rain (HAL 9000) Directed by Peter Hyams.

Review
It has been a while since I have discussed 2001: A Space Odyssey. So let me give a little discussion here. It's one of those films to describe it a few words: Grand. Special. Thought-provoking. Epic in scale. Effects-galore. Classic. As for 2010, what would the be the words to describe it? I'll say that later, but anyway, the film is an adaptation of the novel 2010: Odyssey Two, which was a continuation of the movie (It's weird saying this...) The performances are alright, conveying well. Dullea and Rain return, 16 years after 2001 to reprise their performances here, which works out well. While it isn't as thought provoking as 2001, it does has enough flares of thrill and skill (and strangely recounting the events of the first one) to make you watch it on its own without much stigma. Now then, what would I describe this film in a few words? Decent-looking. Some interest. Decent. 1984 (literally). And there we go.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Princess Bride.

Review #232: The Princess Bride.

Cast
Cary Elwes (Westly), Robin Wright (Princess Buttercup), Mandy Patinkin (Inigo Montoya), Chris Sarandon (Prince Humperdinck), André the Giant (Fezzik), Christopher Guest (Count Tyrone Rugen), Peter Falk (The Grandfather/Narrator), Fred Savage (The Grandson), Wallace Shawn (Vizzini), Billy Crystal (Miracle Max), Carol Kane (Valerie), and Peter Cook (The Impressive Clergyman) Directed by Rob Reiner (This Is Spinal Tap - #108)

Review
To begin with, I'd like to say a few words: My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die. The whole cast and their characters (even the short ones) are memorable to the very end. It's been said before by others, and I'll say it here, this film is funny. But it isn't one of those films that simply just have good funny lines and just that, it is a combination of adventure, romance, and comedy which works out well for everyone. It is fitting that the person who wrote the screenplay also wrote the book that this is adapted from, which keeps the films roots close together (Kind of like what happened with Holes) 25 years after this film's original release it still leaves an impressive mark that will last forever. But of course that might be inconceivable for some. As you wish, everyone.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: San Francisco.

Review #231: San Francisco.

Cast
Clark Gable (Blackie Norton), Jeanette MacDonald (Mary Blake), Spencer Tracy (Father Tim Mullin), Jack Holt (Jack Burley), Jessie Ralph (Mrs. Burley), Ted Healy (Mat), Shirley Ross (Trixie), Margaret Irving (Della Bailey), Harold Huber (Babe), and Edgar Kennedy (Sheriff) Directed by W. S. Van Dyke.

Review
To begin with, the film is based on the 1906 earthquake of San Francisco. In the long run, the film is a grand spectacle. The cast does a great job, especially at the end, with the despair and misery captured well given the circumstances of the situation. Lastly, the film recreates the earthquake in the last few minutes, and it looks beautiful even to this day. All in all, this film still has entertainment value, that while being a bit dated and slow at times, still holds up after over 70 years.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Great Mouse Detective.

Review #230: The Great Mouse Detective.

Cast
Barrie Ingham (Basil), Val Bettin (David Q. Dawson), Vincent Price (Professor Rattigan), Susanne Pollatschek (Olivia Flaversham), Candy Candido (Fidget), Alan Young (Mr. Flaversham), and Frank Welker (Toby/Felicia) Directed by Burny Mattinson, Dave Michener, Ron Clements and John Musker (Aladdin - #156)

Review
The film is based off the Basil of Baker Street books, which were about a mouse detective similar to Sherlock Holmes. The film has a lot of fun with that premise indeed. To begin with, the acting is decent, with the dynamic between Ingham and Bettin working for the most part. But the main stanout is Vincent Price. He's delightfully wonderful here, threatning in tone and voice. The animation looks allright, it's aged well. All in all, the film is entertaining enough to grant interest for everyone.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Novie Night: She's the Man.

Review #229: She's the Man.

Cast
Amanda Bynes (Viola Hastings), Channing Tatum (Duke Orsino), Laura Ramsey (Olivia Lennox), Robert Hoffman (Justin Drayton), Alex Breckenridge (Monique Valentine), Brandon Jay McLaren (Toby), Clifton Murray (Andrew), James Kirk (Sebastian Hastings), David Cross (Principal Horatio Gold), and Vinnie Jones (Coach Dinklage) Directed by Andy Fickman.

Review
In light of Amanda Bynes' ongoing craziness, I've updated the review just for kicks. What is typed following this statement is the original review, which was written almost a year ago. Here you go...
Apparently this is inspired off the play Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, but honestly if I didn't read the credits in the beginning saying that, I would've thought it was just an idea made on the spot. Then again, if they hadn't given credit, someone would've made the complaint. Who? Nobody knows. Anyway, even with that, the film doesn't really suffer or benefit because it hits and misses with its jokes with a predictable story (Sister impersonates brother, gets involved in a love story that happens to have a soccer (which is a shock, given America's boredom of soccer) game added in), and Amanda Bynes while doing a decent job, cannot save the film from cliche land. So why am I not giving it a lower rating? Because it does have some sort of okay moments that are splintered within in the forgettable moments,and it makes a mostly forgettable film that would only be known due to its star.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Inherit the Wind.

Review #228: Inherit the Wind.

Cast
Spencer Tracy (Henry Drummond), Fredric March (Matthew Brady), Gene Kelly (E. K. Hornbeck),  Florence Eldridge (Sara Brady), Dick York (Bertram T. Cates), Donna Anderson (Rachel Brown), Harry Morgan (Judge Mel Coffey), Claude Atkins (Rev. Jeremiah Brown), Elliott Reid (Prosecutor Tom Davenport), and Paul Hartman (Deputy Horace Meeker) Directed by Stanley Kramer.

Review
In the last review, I talked about Gene Kelly and what he did for singing and dancing. Here, he does none of that, but he's still good in a supporting role. Why did I add that last part? It's to mention the main two leads, Tracy and March. They play off each other well, given the proceedings. The film keeps you interested all through out, and the film can still be watched today with no real problems of age. All in all, the cast works, with no real problems. Happy belated (100th) birthday to Gene Kelly. I said it was his birthday, yet I didn't say that in the last review (I'd edit it, but it wouldn't make a difference) Oh well. A hidden gem for the age. Gloomy, but useful film.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Singin' in the Rain.

Review #227: Singin' in the Rain.

Cast
Gene Kelly (Don Lockwood), Donald O'Connor (Cosmo Brown), Debbie Reynolds (Kathy Selden), Jean Hagen (Lina Lamont), and Millard Mitchell (R.F. Simpson) Directed by Stanley Donen (#137 - Bedazzled) and Gene Kelly.

Review
Eugene Kelly was born on August 23, 1912, which was 100 years ago. Kelly revolutionized dancing and singing in movies. You might be wondering why this is important to list. Because what I happen to review today is all that and more. The whole cast does a great job (especially Kelly and Reynolds) I have to admit, the music and songs are good. I have reviewed a musical before, let me use some words from it: "This is a good film with music in there that helps the story and does not ruin anything, unlike some other musicals," (#073 - The Lion King) In this film, the music does makes you smile and laugh at times and truly doesn't ruin a thing. After 60 years, the film's legacy has grown to be considered one of the greatest musicals/films ever.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

Review #226: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

Cast
William Shatner (James T. Kirk), Leonard Nimoy (Spock), DeForrest Kelley (Leonard McCoy), James Doohan (Montgomery Scott), Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov), Nichelle Nichols (Uhura), George Takei (Captain Hikaru Sulu), Kim Cattrall (Valeris), Mark Lenard (Sarek), Grace Lee Whitney (Excelsior Communications Officer), Brock Peters (Admiral Cartwright), Leon Russom (Chief in Command), and Kurtwood Smith (Federation President) Directed by Nicholas Meyer.

Review
Two years after the bad reception of Star Trek V, this film would be released in time for the show's 25th Anniversary, but would it work better then the last one? In a word, yes. First off, the effects are good, a step up from the fifth one (Standout effect being the Praxis effect) While I find the Klingon blood a bit silly, it doesn't outright ruin the effects, which is a good thing. The acting is good, with the main trio (Shatner, Nimoy, and Kelley) and Plummer doing a great job. The plot is more defined here, keeping you interested throughout. The film was directed by Nicholas Meyer, who directed Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (which is considered by many to be the best out of all the Star Trek movies), and it is a good thing that he returned to direct the last film for the Original Series cast (Except for Shatner, Doohan, and Koenig, who would return in Star Trek: Generations) Roddenberry would not live to see the release of the film, but he did get to see an early version of it days before dying. 21 years later, this film still holds up as a new generation of films would soon follow.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.

Review #225: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.

Cast
William Shatner (James T. Kirk), Leonard Nimoy (Spock), DeForrest Kelley (Leonard McCoy), James Doohan (Montgomery Scott), Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov), Nichelle Nichols (Nyota Uhura), George Takei (Hikaru Sulu), Laurence Luckinbill (Sybok), and David Warner (St. John Talbot) Directed by William Shatner.

Review
Well, well, well. It's been a while since I have reviewed a Star Trek film. A really long while (#9 - Star Trek) Anyway, this is the fifth out of six Star Trek films based on the original series created by Gene Roddenberry (One thing I neglected to mention in the Star Trek review) You might wonder how I found the film. I'm channel surfing at night, and I just so happen to find this film, and I figured, "What could go wrong?" I realized soon after that I might just regret it. Guess who's writing and directing? Shatner, who else? The whole film is a mess, from beginning to end. Its story is lame (Premise in one line: Trying to find "God" at the center of the galaxy), the villain isn't as much a villain as in Vulcan Elvis, and is a disappointment overall. Shatner, Nimoy, and Kelley are a good trio, though, and they do have some fun moments, but at other times the film fizzles out. The effects are off at times, especially with the "Impenetrable Barrier" Shatner said this near the film's release, "Star Trek V is the epitome of my career, my experiences, my hopes and dreams. It is the quintessential me" After 23 years, it does represent the feelings I have: Shattered hopes, dull dreams, and reeking of Shatner all over. This nearly killed the franchise, which would have a sequel two years later to hopefully heal the wounds....

Overall, I give it 3 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Casino Royale (1967)

Review #224: Casino Royale.

Cast
David Niven (James Bond), Peter Sellers (Evelyn Tremble), Ursula Andress (Vesper Lynd), Orson Welles (Le Chiffre), Woody Allen (Jimmy Bond), Barbara Bouchet (Miss Moneypenny), Deborah Kerr (Agent Mimi), and John Huston (M) Directed by Ken Hughes, John Huston (#081 - The Maltese Falcon and #094 - The Misfits), Joseph McGrath, Robert Parrish, and Val Guest.

Review
Well, this is...weird. It has been 45 years since its release back in 1967 (Which by sure coincidence this year is also the 50th anniversary of #150 - Dr. No, the first Bond film) I'm thinking that this was an experiment. An experiment to make an absurd, big casted film. The film does have some good moments, sometimes hampered by some dull stretches at times. Oddly, this is my first film reviewed with Sellers and Allen. When I think of Sellers, I think of Pink Panther. When I think of Allen, I think of that guy who stole the Oscar from Star Wars. Oh and that guy from Antz. Now when I think of this film, I'll think of the opening theme and comparisons to Batman (1966 - #177) It's a weird fest that can be entertaining in any mind.

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: North by Northwest.

Review #223: North by Northwest.

Cast
Cary Grant (Roger Thornhill), Eva Marie Saint (Eve Kendall), James Mason (Phillip Vandamm), Martin Landau (Leonard), and Leo G. Carroll (The Professor) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock (#219 - Rope)

Review
This was the last film Hitchcock made in the 1950's, which had Dial M for Murder, Vertigo, The Man Who Knew Too Much, and other various films, and this does feel like the end of one decade and the thesis of the next decade. It feels like a spy film with its involvement of a plot with agents, numerous chase scenes, a leading man and lady, mistaken identity, a villain, and an important object. Grant and Saint do a wonderful job, which usually is essential to make a film, but there is more to it as well, with suspenseful action and soundtrack with a dynamic climatic fight on Mount Rushmore to make a classic romantic thriller. It truly is a great film.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: WALL-E.

Review #222: WALL-E.

Cast
Ben Burtt (WALL-E), Elissa Knight (EVE), Jeff Garlin (Captain B. McCrea), Fred Willard (Shelby Forthright), John Ratzenberger (John), Kathy Najimy (Mary), Sigourney Weaver (Computer), and MacInTalk (Auto) Directed by Andrew Stanton (#155 - Finding Nemo)

Review
The film uses emotions conveyed silently with occasional voices, like a silent film. And in the end, the film still works out (Fun fact: Pixar watched Chaplin and Keaton films to help animate) In a film like this, it doesn't use much acting, but when it does (like I said a few lines ago), it works. The animation is extensive and good. It can make you range in emotions while watching to chuckling to a bit of sadness (depends on the range of person). It's a useful film that is entertaining and interesting to the end. It takes inspirations from films (Such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Short Circuit) and uses it to its advantage. It's a love story (sort of) mixed in whit other elements to make a good, if not great film. Truly an another success for Pixar.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Good Burger.

Review #221: Good Burger.

Cast
Kel Mitchell (Ed), Kenan Thompson (Dexter Reed), Jan Schweiterman (Kurt Bozwell), Abe Vigoda (Otis), Shar Jackson (Monique), and Sinbad (Mr. Wheat) Directed by Brian Robbins (#147 - Norbit)

Review
This film is apparently base off a sketch off a television show (named All That) on Nickelodeon. I say apparently because I've never heard of it (Sadly it sounds less stupid then the modern Nickelodeon) Anyway, the film is...Weird. The beginning sequence is weird, with talking burgers with eyes. The characters are introduced soon after, with varying results. Mitchell and Thompson are good, given what they have to deal with. The film has a giant load of energy, resulting in odd actions (You'd never think an exploding burger would ever happen in a film) It's weird at times with some jokes that misfire but others that do make you at least chuckle. And because I'm a stickler for anniversaries, this film is 15 years old. I don't know whether to celebrate or cringe. The rating might be weird, but given the last film reviewed here...yeah.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Green Lantern.

Review #220: Green Lantern. Cast Ryan Reynolds (Hal Jordan / Green Lantern), Blake Lively (Carol Ferris), Peter Sarsgaard (Hector Hammond), Mark Strong (Sinestro), Angela Bassett (Dr. Amanda Waller), Tim Robbins (Senator Robert Hammond), Temuera Morrison (Abin Sur / Green Lantern), Geoffrey Rush (Tomar-Re / Green Lantern), Michael Clarke Duncan (Kilowog / Green Lantern), Taika Waititi (Thomas Kalmaku), and Clancy Brown (Parallax) Directed by Martin Campbell (#173 - Goldeneye, #285 - Casino Royale) Review My first question is: "This was made for how much?" The answer is $200 Million, which is odd, given that this film doesn't look like it. This is Warner Brothers' attempt to venture into a different superhero not named Batman or Superman. And it...doesn't work out well. The biggest problem is that it has tries for more style then substance. Reynolds is allright, given what he has to work with, but the other characters aren't really memorable. I kept calling the others "girl interest", and "Guy with effects make him look like the kid from Mask". The effects aren't even that memorable. My question is "How come the costume looks CGI and not just something they could've made?" Is it me or does Jordan's mask look like a [green] Fruit Roll-Up stretched out? Maybe it's just me. All in all, the film just isn't as memorable, and is a failure by Warner and DC to have a new hero franchise to rival Marvel (Which already has a giant head start that won't end anytime soon) But Reynolds is succeeding either way (Given that he'll be playing Deadpool a few years from now) And lastly, this film blows the opportunity for Lantern to rise to something more. Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Rope.

Review #219: Rope.

Cast
James Stewart (Rupert Cadell), John Dall (Brandon Shaw), Farley Granger (Phillip Morgan), Douglas Dick (Kenneth Lawrence), Joan Chandler (Janet Walker), Cedric Hardwicke (Mr. Henry Kentley), Constance Collier (Mrs. Anita Atwater), Douglas Dick (Kenneth Lawrence), and Edith Evanson (Mrs. Wilson) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Review
Before I begin, today is Alfred Hitchcock's 113th birthday (born August 13, 1899). You might be wondering why I'm not reviewing something more known (such as Psycho, Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest) The reason is because I wanted to review something different for a change. The film is an interesting experiment, filmed with long shots with no interruption (In short the effect of a single take while actually being 10), all operating in real time. The performances are good, especially from Stewart and Dall. While the film takes its time before getting to its climax, it is intriguing enough to keep you watching. And lastly, the directing is good. And that is all you need in a good film.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Batman & Robin.

Review #218: Batman & Robin.

Cast
George Clooney (Batman/Bruce Wayne), Chris O'Donnell (Robin/Dick Grayson), Arnold Schwarzenegger (Mr. Freeze), Uma Thurman (Poison Ivy), Alicia Silverstone (Batgirl), Michael Gough (Alfred Pennyworth), Pat Hingle (Commissioner James Gordon), John Glover (Dr. Jason Woodrue / Floronic Man), Elle Macpherson (Julie Madison), Vivica A. Fox (Ms. B. Haven), and Robert Swenson (Antonio Diego / Bane) Directed by Joel Schumacher.

Review
This film takes Batman Forever's flaws and makes them worse. Once again, a different actor plays Batman (Perhaps he changes his appearance on a regular basis) The acting varies from not good to manageable. Clooney just doesn't has the charm or tragic nature to convey Batman. O'Donnell is actually worse, feeling more whiny this time. Silverstone isn't really there in the acting sense she's nearly transparent. It makes you wonder why Batman needs partners if they really aren't that helpful. Gough does his best given what he has to deal with. And now to the villains. Schwarzenegger...Oh dear. He is a decent actor, but the ice puns...They. Never. End. Thurman is decent, but Ivy isn't really threatening or evil. There's a third villain, if you can call him that, named Bane. I'm still wondering why they included him if he does nothing other then just growl and smash things. The film relies too much on effects which starts to run old fast. The cheese level is at 10 at points, but even the 60s show had some fun. This is a film that varies from trying to be serious to "Bat-Credit Card" It also a weird amount of shots of bat-nipples and other weird shots...Weird. And so this film killed the franchise, with the proposed sequel, Batman Triumphant being canceled (which would've had Scarecrow, Harley Quinn, and the Joker in a hallucination of Batman's mind). This film is the worst of the series, with not much if any, redeeming qualities.

Overall, I give it 3 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Batman Forever.

now superceded with this review: https://movienightcentral.blogspot.com/2022/06/redux-batman-forever.html

 
Review #217: Batman Forever.

Cast
Val Kilmer (Batman/Bruce Wayne), Chris O'Donnell (Robin/Dick Grayson), Tommy Lee Jones (Two-Face), Jim Carrey (Riddeler/Edward Nygma), Nicole Kidman (Chase Meridian), Michael Gough (Alfred Pennyworth), Pat Hingle (Commissioner James Gordon), Drew Barrymore (Sugar), Debi Mazar (Spice), Elizabeth Sanders (Gossip Gerty), and René Auberjonois (Dr. Burton) Directed by Joel Schumacher (Phone Booth - #197)

Review
Warner Brothers wanted a family friendlier Batman after the results of Batman Returns three years earlier (While it made money, the studio thought it could've made more) And so Tim Burton was whisked to just being the producer while Schumacher directed this. Anyway, the villians are more light in tone, less tragic and more...odd. Jones does a decent job, but he doesn't convey the tone of Two-Face (In other words: He acts more like the Joker then Two-Face) Carrey steals the show (Which is typical with the villians), he channels Frank Gorshin with silliness and the typical Carreyesque act. Lastly, O'Donnell does a decent job, not too bad. The scenery looks charming at times, even if the Batmobile can *sighs* climb walls. One question: How come the title is Batman Forever? Can he live forever or is it just me? All in all, the film can be allright to look at points, but it isn't as great as the other two. Now, let me see what's next on my schedule...Oh dear.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Catwoman.

Review #216: Catwoman.

Cast
Halle Berry (Patience Phillips / Catwoman), Benjamin Bratt (Detective Tom Lone), Lambert Wilson (George Hedare), Frances Conroy (Ophelia Powers), Alex Borstein (Sally), Sharon Stone (Laurel Hedare), Michael Massee (Armando), Byron Mann (Wesley), Kim Smith (Drina), and Peter Wingfield (Dr. Ivan Slavicky) Directed by Pitof.

Review
Catwoman has been one of Batman's long running adversaries, and she has been adapted to film before, being played by Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, and most recently Anne Hathaway, so it shouldn't be hard to make a good Catwoman film. Shouldn't be. The first flaw is that it is severely dull at times, such as the beginning, where it trudges along slowly. Then the action comes in and it is...pretty boring. It isn't memorable by any means. The acting is meh, not really interesting, the only one who tries is Halle Berry, but not even she can save this film. The film is boring, undeveloped, and unsuccessful in its approach. After 8 years, it still is a big flop. One more question: Who names their kid Patience?

Overall, I give it 2 out of 10 stars.