The Dark Crystal

The Dark Crystal
(1982) [Trailer]
Directors: Jim Henson (IMDB), Frank Oz (IMDB)

More childhood nostalgia right here. I've own this film on every format and after upgrading from DVD to blu-ray the other day, I thought I'd throw it in and see what the transfer looked like.

Synopsis: Gelflings are sent out on a quest to restore order and peace to their dying world. What's a Gelfling you ask? Watch the fucking movie and find out you inquisitive bastard.

To think of the amount of man-hours that went into creating this film is mind blowing. There's actually a lot of cool behind the scenes extras on the blu-ray that go into detail about it's creation. The set pieces, costume design and puppets are all unmatched compared to any other film I've ever seen. Seriously, no movie comes close to looking like, or having the same feel as this movie. It's truly unique. There's not a lot I can say that I don't like about Dark Crystal. The storyline may be a little mediocre, but then again, it's a pretty standard fairy tale. I love this movie and if you're into fantasy, it's a must see. Everything still holds up and the film looks fantastic on blu-ray, so what are you waiting for... Giddy up! 

Marley

Marley

(2012) [Trailer]
Director: Kevin Macdonald (IMDB)

“Marley,” a documentary directed by Kevin Macdonald (“The Last King of Scotland”), is a thorough account of Robert Nesta Marley’s rise from a poor Jamaican country boy to a bona fide Third World superstar.

Lost in the “Legend” (a greatest hits album that brought him posthumous success in the US) is Marley & the original Wailers’ early Studio One ska, the record breaking European tour in the 70s and the politically charged music towards the end of his career.

Macdonald lets the story speak for itself through concert footage, present day interviews with friends and family members, and the obligatory photos with Ken Burns effect.

Born to an African-Jamaican mother and an absent white English-Jamaican father, Marley’s racial identity crisis is highlighted throughout the film, as is his own unorthodox family life.  He fathered eleven children across seven different relationships, all the while publicly denying his lifelong marriage to Rita, who sang backup on his tour as part of the I-Threes.  Some of the more telling emotional interviews in the film are with Marley’s children, who remember him as strict and unavailable.

Marley was no saint but he wasn’t just the Rasta stoner that some reduce him to today, and that’s where “Marley” fails.  Clocking in just shy of two and a half hours, this film is not going to be accessible to the layman, but it is a fine supplement to those already familiar with the story and certainly the most comprehensive film on the singer’s life to date.

“Marley” is playing in select theaters and is available On Demand. 

Hulk and The Incredible Hulk

In preparation for the upcoming Avengers flick I decided to watch the only two Marvel movies I hadn't seen yet... Hulk and The Incredible Hulk. I never really gave enough shits to actually see them when they were released and after reading their reviews I felt okay with that decision, but due to the upcoming event at hand... I figured why not.

Hulk
(2003) [Trailer]
Director: Ang Lee (IMDB)

Synopsis: Eric Bana has an accident at the lab and turns himself into a big green monster... aka the Hulk.

I wasn't a huge fan of this film. The story seemed unnecessarily complex and took forever to unfold, plus you don't really get to see Hulk in action until 40 minutes in. I know Ang Lee was going for the obvious comic book look with the split screen stuff, but it started to get old real quick. Sam Elliot's character was way over the top, and seemed unreal. I honestly had no idea what was going on in the final fight scene with the big bubble... I wont spoil... but it was odd and poorly written. I also felt myself getting extremely bored by the end and wishing it would end.

The Incredible Hulk
(2008) [Trailer]
Director: Louis Leterrier (IMDB)

Synopsis: Same as Hulk but with Ed Norton.

This film is mildly better than it's predecessor in my opinion. It doesn't waste as much time getting into the back story, but tries to infuse it throughout the film, which I liked better. All the acting and performances were decent enough, nothing stood out... as great or horrible. The effects were about as good as part one I suppose. This movie just didn't really stand out in anyway, just seemed middle of the road and forgetful.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Who Framed Roger Rabbit
(1988) [Full Movie]
Director: Robert Zemeckis (IMDB)

Strange to think this came out in 88. I was 11 at the time but it feels like I was a lot older when I first saw this in theaters. It's weird how time flies.

 Synopsis: Cartoons and humans coexist in the same world. The famous Roger Rabbit has been set up for murder and a cartoon hating private eye is the only man that can help clear his name.

I'm pretty sure this is the first full length film to fuse animation and live action together, which is a pretty impressive feat and it still looks good. You can definitely tell Robert Zemeckis is directing and a 'Back to the Future' feel is there with the score plus Christopher Lloyd. It's noir meets cartoon and the story is pretty straight forward but fun. I found that Roger started to wear thin and became annoying after a while. Although I didn't hate his performance, Bob Hoskins seemed a bit awkward at times and I think his character could've been cast better. My last thought... Jessica Rabbit is only with Roger for the money.

Dead Alive

Dead Alive
(1992) [Trailer]
Director: Peter Jackson (IMDB)

It's crazy to think that Peter Jackson, the man who's responsible for Lord of the Rings directed this movie. This film is on a whole other level compared to LOTR, but just as genius in it's own right.

Synopsis: A man falls head over heels for a young immigrant girl. Worlds collide when his overbearing mother tries her best to keep their love from fully blooming.

True love can never be stopped and this movie is a perfect example of that motto. The deep emotional commitment that's explored in this film is unmatched by any other and the lengths at which Tim and Paquita go to be together are unreal. The mother's blind stubbornness and hatred are one thing, but to watch her character deteriorate on film is pretty climatic, it's like she becomes this whole other monster. The two star crossed lovers battle lots of obstacles and even separate shortly, but eventually they reunite. Will it all work out in the end? Watch and find out.

Terminator Salvation

Terminator Salvation
(2009) [Trailer]
Director: McG (IMDB)

I woke this is morning and went about my normal business. I went to strike up a shower and while I was rinsing off I started too.... think about the movie I saw last night... what did you think I was going to say? Anyways, there was a good 30 to 45 seconds where I honestly couldn't remember what I saw. Now, it could be that I'm getting old and forgetful or it could be have been the movie.

Synopsis: Machines have taken over the world and Christian Bale is our only chance for survival.

This wasn't a horrible movie, just very forgetful. It didn't seem to drag and I found it entertaining enough, I just didn't care a lot about what happened in the film. Bale seemed to be a little over the top at times and had the Batman voice going on a lot, which stood out. I liked Anton Yelchin, Sam Worthington, and Moon Bloodgood... how about that for a name. I don't know, there's just something there that didn't click with me. Maybe the story line, that seemed a little weak. Plus, with every Terminator installment, you always have this menacing bad guy that's always on your tail and in this the Terminators are everywhere and seem so easy to stop. I would check this out on a lazy Sunday afternoon if it were on TBS, but don't go out of your way.

Too Much Horror Business (The Gate, House, House II, Hellraiser, and Hellbound:Hellraiser II)

Lately I've been on a little bit of an 80's horror bender. Netflix instant is a good dealer when it comes to getting my fix. Over the past few nights I've knocked out a few choice titles from my childhood that I used to enjoy.

The Gate

(1986) [Trailer]
Director: Tibor Takács (IMDB)

A couple of kids realize they're in deep shit when they find a gate to hell has opened up in their backyard. 

This movie stars Stephen Dorff in his first acting role, it's weird to think he was also the lead in one of my favorite films of 2011... Somewhere. He's pretty brutal in this and has come a long way. The movie isn't amazing but still fun. The Gate involves heavy metal and demons, which is always a good mix. I still really love the little monsters and the practical effects hold up nicely. The ending is a bit weak, but I'll save you from any spoilers.

House

(1986) [Trailer]
Director: Steve Miner (IMDB)

It's a house. It's haunted. You get the idea.

This movie stars William Katt, he was not in a favorite film of mine from 2011, or any other year really... but he was in The Greatest American Hero. He's actually decent in this. You also got some nice cameos by Norm from Cheers and Bull from Night Court.

Two things: The blond neighbor is ridiculous, who just leaves their child with a complete stranger? Also, the protagonist, who owns that many video cameras?

Again, I love the 80's special effects and the monsters look great, especially the fat girl one. I feel about the same on this and I did for The Gate.

House II

(1987) [Trailer]
Director: Ethan Wiley (IMDB)

Beside the fact that this takes place in a house, this movie bares no resemblance to House part one. This movie is absolutely in no way scary, it's more of a comedy with some horror tropes, practical effects, and puppets. I can't really think of anything negative to say about this, it almost seems silly to bash it. It's intentionally goofy and has this weird charm to it that I enjoy.

Hellraiser
(1987) [Trailer]
Director: Clive Barker (IMDB)

Evil critters (Cenobites) from the underworld are summoned into this dimension after Uncle Frank fucks around with a mystical cube.

This was of my favorite horror movies in high school and it still ranks highly on that list. It's loaded with tons of gore, great effects, and evil shit...all the stuff you need in an awesome horror flick. The Cenobites are creepy and still hold up... but that fat one's kinda dumb looking. The story line is pretty original and executed well in my opinion. There's loads of classic lines and scenes throughout this and it's a must see if you're into horror.

Hellbound: Hellraiser II
(1988) [Trailer]
Director: Tony Randel (IMDB)

The follow up to Hellraiser and basically the origins story for the Cenobites. I always loved the vision of hell depicted in this film, but after re-watching it, it doesn't hold up as nicely as I thought. You can definitely tell it's a painting in two different scenes. Example A. Example B. It still looks cool, jut not very believable... but then again what's believable about a puzzle box opening a gate to hell. One thing that's weak and convenient is that the doctor at the mental ward just happens to also be an avid collector of these cubes. Also... what's with the mental ward? It's a bit unrealistic down there in the basement. As much as it sounds like I hate this, I don't. I still absolutely enjoyed part two and it's just as gruesome as the first chapter. Sure it's not perfect, but who is?