‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ Crumbles Under Its Own Pretentiousness

For a movie that is a two-hour criticism of artificial intelligence and internet technology, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die feels like the script was written by AI as it’s a compilation of Groundhog Day, Black Mirror, Terry Gilliam’s Brazil and Twelve Monkeys and The Terminator franchise. With a budget of $20 million, it’s directedContinue reading “‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ Crumbles Under Its Own Pretentiousness”

‘Idiocracy’ Is Only A Horror Movie If You Make It One

When Idiocracy was released 20 years ago, it was to fulfill a contractual obligation between 20th Century Fox and Mike Judge.The movie bombed because the studio tried to bury it in as few as many theaters as possible with no press or marketing. But its notorious release helped word of mouth to spread as socialContinue reading “‘Idiocracy’ Is Only A Horror Movie If You Make It One”

‘They Will Kill You’ Will Bore You With Its Overkill Execution

The problem with They Will Kill You is that it reveals its twist early and there’s no build-up so the execution is overkill, literally. Made like a cross between Ready or Not and Kill Bill, Zazie Beets plays Asia Reaves, who was convicted of killing her abusive father, but has been released and takes aContinue reading “‘They Will Kill You’ Will Bore You With Its Overkill Execution”

Remembering Alex Kintner

Okay, I know Alex Kintner isn’t a real person. But his character died on this date, June 29, in the summer blockbuster Jaws. For years, photos have circulated online that show a darker death of the character. This is believed to be the work of Verna Fields, the film editor who won an Oscar forContinue reading “Remembering Alex Kintner”

‘Bound’ Is A Brilliant Film Noir Thriller From The Wachowskis

A lot of famous directors didn’t hit it out of the park the first time. They’re still rough around the edges, handicapped by a small budget and no big name actors. But that can also be what makes their directorial debuts so wonderful.  Like the Coen Brothers, the Wachowskis had a great thriller with theirContinue reading “‘Bound’ Is A Brilliant Film Noir Thriller From The Wachowskis”

Fade Out For Gene Shalit

There’s an old saying of “There’s a face for radio.” And Gene Shalit may not have had the preppy looks of Tom Brokaw or Peter Jennings, but he made film criticism worth watching with his witty puns and on-camers enthusiasm.His distinct look which consisted of a brushy moustache, frizzy Afro-styled hair, horn-rimmed glasses and bowContinue reading “Fade Out For Gene Shalit”

‘Send Help’ Avoids Normal Cliches As A Dark Comedy On Social Structure

A movie like Send Help seems to have arrived at the right time. Following the Texas snow winter storms of 2021, many of these doomsday preppers found themselves unable to survive a week with no electricity. When the fit really hits the shan, they’re SOL. Rachel McAdams plays Linda Liddle, a mousey strategist at aContinue reading “‘Send Help’ Avoids Normal Cliches As A Dark Comedy On Social Structure”

Before ‘Scary Movie’ There Was The Horror Parody ‘Student Bodies’

Horror comedies have been around for decades all the way back when ‘Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein’ had the two sharing the silver screen with Lon Chaney Jr. and Bela Lugosi. And then Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder gave us ‘Young Frankenstein.’ In 2000, the Wayans brought us ‘Scary Movie,’ a crude but hilarious parodyContinue reading “Before ‘Scary Movie’ There Was The Horror Parody ‘Student Bodies’”

RIP Donald Gibb, aka Ogre

Donald Gibb may have never won an Oscar or Emmy but his 6-foot-4 hulking feature made him a memorable actor. Originally playing for the San Diego Chargers, his sports career was sidelined early following an injury from an automobile accident.  But who better to play a football player than a football player?  In 1984, heContinue reading “RIP Donald Gibb, aka Ogre”

‘Dead Alive’ Isn’t Your Typical ‘Braindead’ Zombie Flick

Sometimes fame and fortune doesn’t have the end results we expect. While some filmmakers might think a lot of awards and recognition might bring them more freedom, I think it has the opposite effect sometimes.  Now, Peter Jackson is an Oscar-winning filmmaker and respected documentary producer. But about 40 years ago, he was a youngContinue reading “‘Dead Alive’ Isn’t Your Typical ‘Braindead’ Zombie Flick”