Criterion: Black Christmas (***1/2) coal for everyone
Bob Clark is best known for directing A Christmas Story. This sorority slaughter fest is his 2nd most famous Christmas film.
Criterion: It’s Alive (*) and it’s bad
Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist naturally lead to stuff like this crawling around in the sewer of entertainment. Having Warner produce just brings a nicer sheen to the turd.
Criterion: The Crazies (**) is a rough draft for a better film
There are occasional good moments here and there, but overall, the skill is somewhat below local theater troupe making an even lower budget version of Home for Purim.
Antebellum (*) blunders its opportunity
Take it as a warning. This film robs of the senses you should have and replaces them with garbage.
Criterion Ganja & Hess (**) has history on its side
Fair or not, the film that results is worth one time through, and more if you can bear it. I had to stop on my second trip.
Criterion: The Wicker Man (*****) duel of faiths
Robin Hardy created a masterpiece during a time when good horror is as hard to find as the young and vibrant Rowan Morrison.
Criterion: Theatre of Blood (**1/2) Burning down the house
This film is one of the better Price performances. If you want to see him for what made him famous enough to be on Thriller, start with this.
Ava (***) gives it all away
It’s all competent, but it could have been great.
Criterion: Sisters (**1/2) doing it for themselves
What it lacks is a compelling 2nd or even 3rd act to tie the buildup together with a satisfying conclusion.
Criterion: Don’t Look Now (***1/2) holds our attention
This film is recommended for anyone who wants to feel like they’re on the verge of something – good or bad
Criterion: Season of the Witch (*) – Mom’s a hungry wife
This film is painful, even if the idea could have been a decent film in the hands of someone with any skill writing, directing or even editing.
Netflix’ The Queen’s Gambit (*****) Taylor-Joy spans the distance between excellence and heart
Give this one a try, if you’re desiring to feel an experience, free of routine and common gimmicks. This is my vote for more work for Frank and Taylor-Joy. And someone start digging up more stories by Walter Tevis.
Historical Nugget: The Return of the Living Dead (***) – Be a man, Frank
If you find a way to get into the groove of this film and wend your way through the cheese, it will reward you with some very nice moments.
Criterion: Images (***) is Altman’s house of mirrors
It’s hard to forgive a director of Altman’s skill the fact that he never comes close to having us fooled.
Friday the 13th Chronology continued: The expensive trash +2 good fan films
The best thing about the Never Hike… series is the way it takes its time getting to actual kills. It has confidence and is in no hurry.
Criterion: Death Line / Raw Meat (**) because Brando couldn’t make it
This film will be more for those curious about the process of how we got from blood going down the drain in black and white in Pscyho to where film in the early ’80’s is so gross.
