Last Seen Contemporary Movie

[Sculpt]

Twisters (2024)
7/10

Uses the same formula as the original Twister (1996) about tornado chasers with past trauma. It was a good formula, so it's a decent film all around, but not as good as the original.

Not sure if I'd call it a remake... they're trying to do something else with a tornado... but close enough to call it a remake.

Fine acting performance for the lead, looker Daisy Edgar-Jones. And her relationship story with the co-star is mildly compelling.

I really didn't think the special effects were any better than Twister (1996), which was a little surprising and disappointing. Not to say they were poor or unrealistic, just that overall, they were good but didn't wow me. It's still a film best seen on the big screen and surround sound.

[FryeDwight]

BEYOND RE-ANIMATOR (2003). Completely unnecessary and awful sequel to the original classic RE-ANIMATOR, which is still so good. Basically the same story, although it takes in a prison with Herbert West still trying out his theories and still not figuring it out that his "successes" are anything but. You've seen this done before-and better- so use time on something more worthwhile. *

[TaeKwonZombie]

a quiet place part 2
American psycho


both I've seen in parts, finally saw fully.... quiet place 2 nice lil scifi monster horror survival I felt like the original had a better feel....american psycho the Jim Carrey of serial killers? Haha. chainsaw death was different

[TaeKwonZombie]

evil dead rise....I didn't hate it, but its nothing above average..I'll never consider this or evil dead remake part of the original movies, but fun little spin offs, I consider sam raimi's drag me to hell a way closer approach to the original style.

[Sculpt]

Alien 3
3/10

Watched the "Assembly Cut" of Alien 3 after seeing the original in the theatre. I think the AC is better, but an extra inch doesn't help you jump the Moon.

Woeful script... so much to mention... minuscule character development, suspense setup, look at religious/philosophy of penal group. No advancement on Alien theme lore. Outstandingly boring, non-creative action. It's almost always dark, dreary and without life.

Aside from the lack of new Alien lore, if the script (were altered) to include Newt, Hicks and Bishop it could have been a rich and fun film. Not only would you have breathed some life into the film with characters the audience already cares about; but it opens obvious subplots. You could have Hicks battling against the Doctor for Ripley's affections. You could have Newt and Bishop befriending, having interesting conversations and side adventure. Could have Bishop versus Alien battles. Hicks discovering a Warden deception. Hicks went to Sunday School.

You have this pseudo-christian group in the script for a contrast to nonfaith, evil or the banal, but at every crux it's disparaged. Everything denigrated as it seems the script was written by someone who hates the human race.

I could mention solid sets, sound, cinematography, etc, but it was just a waste of talent, except that it made a profit, surely off the back of Alien/Aliens.

[Angra]

Originally Posted by TaeKwonZombie

evil dead rise....I didn't hate it, but its nothing above average..I'll never consider this or evil dead remake part of the original movies, but fun little spin offs, I consider sam raimi's drag me to hell a way closer approach to the original style.

Agreed.

[FryeDwight]

MATINEE (1993). Absolutely delightful Joe Dante film (which did zilch business in the heaters-a shame. When We saw it, there were probably only ten seats filled) concerning a William Castle like director-John Goodman is fantastic as the BS slinging huckster-who premieres his new movie MANT ("Half Man! Half Ant! All Terror!") in Key West during The Cuban Missile Crisis.

Loads of cameos by Dante regulars-Dick Miller especially is a hoot-with all sorts of nods to the time ; TV reels, albums, huge gas-guzzling cars, movie posters and oodles of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND (although there is an error showing a recent one) and paraphernalia in the main characters room.

Very funny in parts, but showing a serious side as well. I can't imagine how terrifying it must have been living through that time. *****

[Sculpt]

Bamboozled (2000)
6/10

Spike Lee's satirical drama about a black TV producer, Pierre Delacroix (Damon Wayans), trying to score a hit by tapping into racial hot button tropes.

There are some genuinely funny lines to enjoy. Otherwise, it's hard to decipher what movie Lee is trying to create, as it plays very scattershot. The film regularly dips into the despicable portrayals of blacks in the past, often in a full documentary format, but Lee doesn't present a present-day parallel. The film notes a lack of black writing/production representation in TV but doesn't appear to be interested in demonstrating solutions. For instance, we are told some executives have modified Pierre Delacroix's show script, but we are never told what was added, removed or why it matters. And so, the film is often a Rorschach test.

There are the entertainment narratives and tropes such as "the rise and fall" of the Pierre Delacroix character, and artists dealing with their own pride, getting ahead, gender double standards and selling out. In that regard, Jada Pinkett-Smith character's scene dealing with gender double standards felt authentic while the other narratives felt stiff, forced and unrealistic, particularly Delacroix Greek tragedy final scene.

[FryeDwight]

SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004). British "Zom-Com" that revitalized the appeal of walking corpses (although 28 DAYS LATER got the ball rolling) leading to a fourth Romero film and a whole lotta zombies in various formats.

Parts of this film are quite good..the main character-Shaun- is so listless that one would almost think He is a zombie, but when trouble arises, He does rise to the occasion and proves his mettle to his parents (Bill Nighy and Penelope Wilton -DOWNTON ABBEY- are both good), his Ex-Girlfriend (who wants more of a meaningful relationship) and most importantly himself. It's downright hilarious as he staggers across the street after heavy drinking with signs of chaos around and He being too inattentive to see it. Some decent grue, as well.

I can't say the same for Ed, his ultra-slacker flat mate is annoying in the extreme and the scenes involving him drag the film down...or maybe because Ed reminds Me a lot of an old roommate from my first apartment. ***