Pink_Frankenstein Reviews

Dead Curse (1985)

Silly low budget kinda fun

[3/10 · 6 January 2010]

A police officer foils the ritual killing of a young virgin girl and kills the evil mastermind witch in the process, but not before she puts a curse on him and his family. After that intro, the rest of the film deals with the officers daughter (I think) and her daughter and the officer getting haunted by the witch who comes back from the dead. This leads to a final battle between the daughter and the witch. Contains some full frontal witch assistant nymphs nudity and a Chinese shaman who can battle the witch. There's some possessions and motorcycle shenanigans.

There's a scene at a festival that's interesting to look at just out of cultural curiosity.

Bright, garish 80s colors through out - Cindy Lauper palette and shoulder pads.

The Red Bridge (1992)

Great unorthodox film.

[8 April 2004]

The less you know about this doc the better. And I would recommend not reading the other review (as of April 8, 2004) which I feel gives away the kicker/hook of the film.

It is basically about a Red Bridge in Luxembourg and the effect it has on the town that lives below it. I even think that is saying too much. If you can find it see it, 20 minutes well spent!

I caught it as part of a program of short films at the San Francisco International Film Festival several years ago. It was by far the best of the series. It stayed with me for years afterward, so much so that I felt compelled to write about it here.

Celestial Clockwork (1995)

So precious it gave me a headache

[24 November 2003]

So many positive comments for this film I had to throw some reality in here. Now maybe if you are a woman going through a midlife crisis or someone who gets really hot about movies that have to do with the Tango you will like this movie.

I found the camera's obsessive adoration of the female lead and her impish expression when lip synching opera to be just too precious. I walked out after 45 minutes because I just couldn't take it anymore. I at least find Hitchcock's obsessiveness with a star interesting in its perversity and he had the sense to try to mask it. It is bare and naked here and very embarassing.

I wish that I drank so that I could forget this film. Unfortunately I can't think of any other movie that would be better which maybe a comment on my limited movie going or the lack of films with female characters that are comedies.

Time of the Wolf (2003)

Wonderfully provocative. DON'T READ ANY REVIEWS ABOUT THIS FILM

[4 August 2003]

I went into this movie completely cold. And I contend that is the best way to see it. Even a three word summary can ruin, what I think, is the crucial aspect of this film - the unfolding of the story. The main shock of the film is realizing what it's setting is and, like the previous two Haneke films, that job is left to the viewer. If you like a film that engages a thinking mind then this is a film for you. At the same time, the film is definitely emotional and extremely visual.

Highly recommended.

Duck Amuck (1953)

One of the top three desert island cartoons.

[19 July 2003]

WARNING- SPOILER--

Duck Amuck is the epitome of the Daffy vs. Buggs cartoons. In interviews Jones has confessed that he identifies with Daffy and that Buggs was the type of person he always wanted to be. With this in mind, Duck Amuck has a bit of an existential feel to it and might certainly be the most philosophically abstract of his cartoons. A must see.

Disregard another reviewers comments about liberals and the PC police not letting you see this cartoon. There is nothing in this cartoon that merits this "out of the ball park" statement. And judging from some of Jones' work (Horton Hears a Who, Grinch) I would definitely call him a liberal.

Raising Victor Vargas (2002)

An authentic coming of age story.

[10/10 · 6 July 2003]

Keep repeating to yourself, it's only a movie, it's only a movie. Someone described the style as being like a documentary and what I think they meant to say was that it is in the verite style. I am not the biggest fan of ethnic family dramas, but this film really puts all the rest to shame not just with humor and authentic, natural dialog and acting, but also with a really tight script, excellent photography and excellent narative continuity, something sometimes lacking in indie film.

A great movie for teens because it shows a commendable method of sexual interaction among teens which is a refreshing alternative to 'American Pie' and certain rap music. It is also commendable in that it doesn't make anybody wrong in the movie, meaning that intstitutions aren't question or mocked in the film. In fact it shows institutions as working (church and the police department) and helping families, which I am sure that they do. And it shows the possibility for change even among families where it sometimes seems impossible.

One reviewer, who claimed to be of Cuban descent, dissed the films 'ethnicity' as being contrived and also cited errors (no way would a family have the sister sleep with her two brothers). Bullocks I say. The grandmother character, her conservatism, her religion, I think are integral to the story and plausably come from her background. At the same time the film doesn't dwell in showing off the ethnicity of its characters - their big family dinner was hamburgers and Victor makes his grandma white toast for breakfast. I also can easily 3 kids only several years apart in age all sleeping in the same room. Victor is at most 17 years old, i would say even younger maybe even 15. Considering their economic position, i don't think it is a far stretch or remotely even an error.

I agree that there isn't a lot of depth to Victor's character but I found that refreshing. He isn't an 'alpha-male' he is a young boy who finds he is sexually attracted to girls, thinks about them all the time and wants to get laid. Compared to the insult throwing and vulgar guys at the pool or in Judy's apartment, the guys she is trying to avoid are the alpha-males. And Victor is at a point in his life where, and he probably doesn't realize it, he is choosing what type of man he is going to be. No he doesn't have a hidden talent, yes he is full of bravado- he is a freaking teenager. But I would rather have burgers with Victor than have to do anything with the frat-boys in training from all the other teen movies around.

Very entertaining and sweet. One of the better films I have seen in a while. It's melodrama (and i find it interesting that the "If you liked this movie you might also like.." selection was "Mullholland Drive" speaking of melodrama) and I normally don't like melodrama. But this movie I liked. (And I love Mullholland Drive btw)

Camille 2000 (1969)

Extravagant Excess at a Nudie Flick

[15 February 2001]

Metzger was a master at stretching a budget and providing nudie, erotic fair with dazzling production values. Remember that naked bodies were a pretty new commodity back in 1969 America and the eroticism that sizzles from the screen in this and other Metzger films comes from simply the idea that we are going to see people naked! And that usually means attractive females!! It is great to see something with such an innocent approach to titilation. Unlike many films and music videos today, where you just don't get to see much of anything, it delivers.

In addition, Metzger always toyed with kinky subject matter (check out "Lickerish Quartet") and that gave his films the edge over other American competitors. One of my favorite film-makers and very under rated. People who can't enjoy a Metzger film are generally too conservative in their tastes, ie "Titanic" = Best Picture.