The acting of Robert De Niro...Mickey **** Lisa Bonet elevate this film tremendously. A detective story to the bone. With supernatural and religious elements creeping throughout the entire plot. Some suspense and horror but more of a psychological detective story at it's core. Robert De Niro OWNS this role. Rourke keeps you intrigued throughout the entire film. Bonet brings a powerful energy to her role. Overall they save the film from being a mediocre effort to being a good film.
This movie accomplished what it it set out to do. It's a Family Halloween genre film. The characters are likeable. Which so often is not the case with films similar to this. If your just looking for a Halloween popcorn movie to watch to get your holiday fix...this just might satisfy that itch. Only clocks in at 90 minutes. It's fun.
Tenebrae has it's moments. Argento's return to his giallo roots. Maybe his most gory film. It never quite reaches the high mark set by his classic film Deep Red. Worth a watch.
The follow up to Suspiria. The second film of Argento's Three mother's trilogy. Very similar to Suspiria visually and in mood. Unfortunately just like Suspiria I find the story lacking. I Don't mind the cliche Italian horror movies illogical plots that Many Italian horror films have in common. I enjoy the dreamlike qualities that many of them invoke. Inferno just like Suspiria suffers from story that is sometimes just bland and boring. Still worth a watch. It's not a bad film. Its just a bit forgettable.
Suspiria is probably the most famous movie Dario Argento has made. If you are a New or Young Horror fan the odds are Suspiria would most likely show up on your radar first. Unfortunately when that is the case...sometimes a film can suffer from the fan communities over hyping of that film. Before I saw Suspiria for the first time I had heard and read all kinds of praise for it. When I did watch the film for the first time I was slightly disappointed. I had already seen Deep Red and Opera and feel those films are Argento's Best.
Suspiria isn't a bad movie. It's just not as impactful as I had always heard it to be. The Visuals and Music Score are terrific. The story however I found a bit generic and slightly boring in spots. Still worth a watch. Maybe if you see it without the great expectations I had it will work better.
If your new to Dario Argento s films I wouldn't start here. I recommend starting with Deep Red or Opera. Most of his films flirt with bizarre imagery and moments of flying off the rails at full **** he made himself a nice career in the film business in spite of it. Phenomena is Argento completely untethered and unhinged. All of his tropes and stylistic flourishes are turned up to the max.Completely untethered and unhinged is what makes Phenomena so much fun. It's just that if you haven't seen some of his other films first...before watching **** might not be as willing to the ride on this WEIRD awesome experience.
Opera is undoubtedly one of Argentos better films. In fact it's a strong candidate for being THE best. For being an Italian horror film it's plot is reasonably straight forward. Opera is a good starting point if you want to delve into the world of Dario Argento. It's a hell of a fun ride.
The Fog is a mixed bag. Some moments are extremely suspenseful and riveting. Other times the film puts me in a sleep like trance. Honestly the first time I watched this film it took me three times to completely finish the whole film start to finish. The Pirate zombies and the Fog effects are fun. Maybe the story would've worked better if it was part of a anthology film. Thirty minutes or so. As a full length feature film it just doesn't seem to be able to hold my interest. All that said I would still recommend checking out the film. Just be prepared with a caffeinated beverage close at hand.
Prince of Darkness always seems to fly under the radar in comparison to Carpenter's other work from the 80's. Personally I think it's his Second best film only behind The Thing. Sure the first half of the movie plods along. The Title Sequence seems to go on for ten minutes. It's comical. I believe it boils down to Carpenter's superb writing. Also the atmosphere has Carpenter's style all over it. The second half of the film takes off like a bat out of hell. One of Carpenter's best.
Fun. Funny. Imaginative. I revert back to my 12 year old self when watching this film. Carpenter only asks you to check your adult sensibility and responsibility at the door. Let Kurt Russell/Jack Burton be your tour guide to to China Town. It's a comic book come to life. A perfect movie it isn't. A damn good time it is. Nuff said.
John Carpenter's BEST film. Human nature's inherent flaws expose the true horror of being trapped on a desolate outpost. Watching a small group of people crumble with panic and paranoia. Is the TRUE HORROR of The Thing. A masterpiece that certainly didn't receive much praise when it was released. Practical special effects are still some of the best ever in the Horror Genre. Luckily that is only part of the puzzle to this one of a kind experience.
Forgettable.
First word that came to mind after the film was over...TAME. The original Hellraiser film stands the test of time. Comparing this reboot to that film is truly a futile endeavor. I wanted more at every turn. All that was delivered was more of the same...tame. Not enough Danger and sick carnage and sleez for a Hellraiser reboot. On a positive note it wasn't a complete bore.
