Icons76 Reviews

Orgy of the Damned (2010)

Engaging brooding slick vampire erotica

[8/10 · 10 January 2019]

This was certainly a surprise: well crafted, acted (especially by lead Domiziano Arcangeli) and produced. The story line may be light but there's plenty of virtuoso visuals to make for an entertaining, sexy ride. The lovers of Gothic and vampire stories should really dig this effort! I enjoyed especially the wild cinematography and the extremely eccentric, wicked atmospheres always soaking of beauty and tolerance for all sexual preferences. It's also interesting for its languid 1970s throwback, it reminded me especially of an Euro exploitation movie of those dazzling decades rich of innovative and provocative filmmaking.

Nest of Vipers (1978)

Solid 1930's melodrama

[7/10 · 4 February 2016]

Fascists seem closer to a dangerous, murderous alliance with the Nazi's, and, Italy almost seems to want to forget, living in a decadence that is of course a perfect, quintessential 'counterpart' to the increasingly corruption in politics,and, in fashions,becoming so, a sordid omen to the horrors that will sadly follow. But, money seem quite good, still, especially for the wealthy upper classes who are all sustaining Mussolini, ridiculously ignoring the imminent dangers, and all the immorality that will plague seriously Europe for well over a decade. We are in lovely Venezia (beautifully photographed by the great Armando Nannuzzi, with saturated tones, perhaps to remember 'Technicolor', then, just becoming famous?) still gorgeous piano teacher Carla Richter (Senta Berger), and, her young and, ambiguous son Renato (handsome Christian Borromeo) don't seem to be at ease with pretty much anything: i felt almost as if he was attracted by the mother, in any case they do not certainly seem to perceive a great future ahead. The script is a bit trite to give all this away at the beginning, but this was my impression. They are actually - despite the script again keeps on, mistakingly striving to depict them as immoral, and, morbid- the 2 more benign souls of the whole motion picture. The sexy piano teacher, who's been giving lessons to the gorgeous daughter Elena (Ornella Muti, perfecting casting, and, she was truly splendidly photographed, here, even though, i would have loved to see someone like Charlotte Rampling, or Therese Ann Savoy in that role), has also been 'amorally' trying to push the seemingly reluctant son Renato, into a marriage of convenience, with Elena, who gets just a kick out of the boy. Carla at this point gets to know the much darker side of one of the supposedly most 'appointed' and 'untouchable' families of that lovely Venetian Summer of 1938, and, she starts fearing for the worst: she is facing a true nest of vipers: not only having to face the rude, and, increasingly intimidating comments made against herself, and against Renato, she also gradually grows distraught by all the corruption surrounding the same family's friends, and society, all representing perhaps to her a major failure into her broken dream to see both herself, and her son Renato, in a much better 'social' position. But, here, the games aren't even those of a social commentary, here we are just in the middle of a true class discrimination, and we stand to the verge of the notorious criminal decadence that will bring the 2nd World war: it is all operated with cruelty, with morbid, and, sordid offenses, constantly perpetrated to all of those not accepting of their position, and dues. The extremely wealthy, and, obviously Fascist, aristocratic family Mazzarini, is composed (beside by the gorgeous Elena, who 'seems' also the most innocent of the bunch), also by the always classy Capucine, great as the manipulative, vampire alike mother, by Paolo Bonacelli, as usual, also excellent playing characters who want to appear loyal and lawful, when are instead just as corrupted, as much as they are slithery, and treacherous,and, of a son who's a bisexual misfit, who seems to indulge into opium, for the most part, creating trouble, and, enjoying to watch his sister making love with playboys! Trouble arises when Renato would just one day innocently (?) introduce the classic handsome stud, Mattia Morandi (great physique Du role, but not so well played by a wooden, Stefano Patrizi, from Visconti's 'The Conversation Piece') a studly friend who will bring with his own games the plot to an incredible series of convoluted, but, truly disconcerting turns, culminating to even a crime murder's mystery investigation, and, to a threat that could be enough to generate a so not sought International scandal. Now, unfortunately, as you may tell, the script is way too convoluted and contrived, however we must say also that this movie is just lovely to look at, extremely well produced, with a production design, sets, costumes, and, make up, cinematography, and, catchy original music from Vince Tempera,that are all just formidable! And, of course, all the stars are mostly great, and lensed with an almost incredible old fashioned type of allure, so if the story quite frankly never gets all completely together, and, there are too many things given away, and very few surprises, aside from the abundant dose of steamy, and, sometime truly morbid, sexuality, which, at the end, it ends up holding up a movie, that would have maybe liked to replicate the works of Luchino Visconti, or Patroni-Griffi, Bolognini, Liliana Cavani, etc., but, misses instead completely into what is a complete and necessary build up of a much stronger character's development, that would have helped giving to the film that boost, and, finally, a whole different tone, without having instead to rely for the most part in its erotic sideways, in order to keep the interest always up. Thanks again to what we should call a first class crew, sex and convolutions are never cheap, and always pleasant, if you don't mind erotic cinema of course, but it could have been a much more poignant film with a stronger script and director. Altogether, it is pleasant and always watchable, it has its own moments, and again its erotica is refined, and, as exquisite as its cast. And, i personally enjoyed it quite a bit. Over all, Senta Berger, Borromeo, Capucine, and Ornella Muti, especially, manage to always keep the show extremely interesting and sublimating.. But, it is not the masterpiece it would have clearly wanted to be. It is adapted by a novel by Peyrefitte called "The Piano Teacher" which was translated into Italian at the time as "Ritratto Di Borghesia in Nero"('A Portrait of Aristocrats in Black', more or less..) so to try to homage both Visconti's "The Damned", and Tinto Brass "Salon Kitty",and, try for the same commercial success those great movies obviously had, and, still are today so well known for.

Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar makes for great entertaining show, but lacks depth

[6/10 · 26 November 2015]

I finally watched brilliant director's Christopher Nolan, "Interstellar", and, i found it rather enjoyable, extremely well photographed, with a style, and, skills rich of the uncommon finesse, so typical of Nolan's filmography, of which i am such a great admirer. I love "Memento", his first major film in 2001, starring a phenomenal Guy Pearce, and, i have seen all the following efforts, always finding them, extremely accomplished, and mature, even when going for more commercial fare, such as the Batman's franchise: in fact, i thought that Nolan managed always to bring his vision, and, his greater talent to the purpose of creating a major movie, aimed to all mainstream audiences, intelligently well made, and, way above the standards, while always maintaining a narration rich of invention, and, creative, innovative visuals, and, most of all, with top notch scripts. I also loved "Inception" which had gotten, if i remember, a mixed reception. I found it extremely clever, written with uncommon genius, and, considering not only the more obvious needs of glossy, wide distributed entertainment, but resulting as a great film shot with a virtuoso direction, of mind blowing, and powerful effect, not only presenting an unique, and appalling show, but, also handling feelings, and character's development, with an extremely touching grip. I did not feel as excited, watching "Interstellar", though, a movie i did not find bad by any means, but, that, for me, lacked the same profound, powerful strength, Nolan had previously shown, even in the Batman's movies, always so infused with his impeccable vision. "Interstellar" feels like a great show, but falls rather flat at the end, lacking emotional, cohesive force, and, feeling unaccomplished, despite its incredibly skilled crew, and, budget, its powerful presentation, and, special effects.I think the script lacks Nolan's usual personal, and, deeper attention to all characters, and, often relies strangely on some solutions, that feel derivative, and, very little original. Again, I will keep it short and sweet, since there are already so many reviews on here, that have said it all already, some feeling the same i have, and many others, who have instead appreciated the show. This movie for me failed to bring the same, unique, great direction, and writing, one would expect by Nolan, and, over all, it feels like since the get go, the main idea wasn't the most interesting, nor the most innovative, and, its further development did not help to make it into the great movie, one would have expected. However, it needs also to be said, that, considering the painful offer, and, the even worse level of production value, and new ideas, found in most American movies, in the past few years, even a not such accomplished, and, not so inspired film, such as "Interstellar", does make for, at least, a more well produced, and, entertaining, big budget, genre's production.

The Idiots (1998)

Interesting perspective ; at least a ground breaking attempt

[8/10 · 26 November 2015]

"The Idiots" cannot be defined a masterpiece, however, as many others Dogma's films, holds itself very tight, thanks to the honesty expressed by the filmmakers, and, by the actors, all brilliant, so effectively introducing us into a dangerous evil that lays underneath a seemingly, quite accomplished, group of upper class Danish friends, and, their less than admirable habits, with a raw style, that may be upsetting or shocking to many, but, that indeed showcases perfectly the moralistic northern European society setting, with a grieving, somber tone, that grows silently potent throughout the film, with touching intimacy, and, an authentic, livid, and,truly dark storytelling, that results enigmatic at times, as much as, it is profound and visceral. The second half of the piece gets an unexpected turn, that many have found too graphic, but, that others have found instead a ground breaking, utterly knife sharp, and, clever twist, that does certainly condemn, without pointing specific fingers against politics, or too specific, and, cheap motives, but, that serves with great effect to help us to a rather penetrating identification of all main characters, resulting under this lens, as if they were all victims of vices, and, obscure perversions, perhaps,caused by a general, wrong perception of their existences, infused by a lack of feelings, and,of a respect,that feels almost invisible in our modern world, which here seems always so advanced,and, perfectly modern, yet progressively loosing more, and, more attention to the single individual, sympathy for the minorities, and, that, in general, survives with boredom, accepting without any objection, a sickening lack of real love, trying to cope with damaged, personal relationships, often just by forgetting, or numbing their isolation, while, unwillingly, breaking hearts, ideals, and, hopes. It is a movie that i would not recommend to everyone, but, to those who love a certain type of extremely stylized, personal type of Cinema. In the 'Art House' crowd, and, within mature, more intellectual audiences, searching for movies that make a difference, just with their unique voice, and, beliefs, "The Idiots" should not disappoint, but, make for a piece that depicts with awesome strength, a questionable society, that seems inept, failing to hear, and, to listen with more caring, and, involved sensibility to all, so creating a painful array of lost souls, which are composing such unusual, frightening shallow group of friends, plagued constantly by controversial upbringing's, and, by an horrifying indifference, so realistically playing against odds in this unique movie that's able to convey with vivid contrasts, a series of highly dehumanized morals, and, an even more dangerous lack of perceiving, or holding onto faith. "The Idiots" does not certainly fails to outline some modern, steel cold events, bringing the over all meaning of violence and isolation, interior despair, and sense of loss, to a very interesting, if highly disturbing afterthought.

A Spiral of Mist (1977)

Interesting if not all came together portrait in black!

[7/10 · 26 September 2014]

This movie is beautifully shot and exquisitely set, written, and served by the cast : and, just because there's always such a moralistic and disturbing content so typical of the bored Northen Italian upper class of the time ( mid 1970's) so well described and exquisitely, almost realistically, appointed here, that is why I so generously gave it a 7 out of 10 votes! Unlike the previous reviewer (now.. with all my respects, but Oh my God, have I ever, even read such a silly, puritanical , virtually pointless, and untrue review, over a movie that lastly seems to depend from the aberration of nudity and sex, themselves ?! Next time just go for Walt Disney, OK?). Sorry, I think actually this was a very psychological, and extremely erotic elaboration of a possible idea of a in depth research into the bored and yet hopeful love lives of a few wealthy, and constantly conditioned by the moralist of their "stale" time of reflux - just after a decade spent considering, or not , the counter culture - to choose lives so abruptly adverse to their real feelings: and, so sexuality here is key, and the exploitation of it through the unconscious, and the blame of a possible subconscious faith that becomes very much tragic and realistic, when almost as cutting a deep crack into the so hated routine of the frantically demised and shrewdly mannered lead characters, a real death comes with its embarrassing excitement to propose to each one of them, but even to a few, well described supporting roles, almost a motive of escape from the existential boredom they all live as if it were almost a golden cage, instead of a very much bourgeois trap, revealing them as many others had been before and will be made again,a not all so loving, not all so kind, not all so pretty, perfect and possibly aristocrat, group of friends, but if anything a very much more possible, flawed and lustful nest of vipers! And, it's here I believe, where this movie fails, unfortunately, and despite its extremely exquisite presentation, its very much critical and yet simply perfect idea, and the refined, always quite realistic (for the time of course!) description of mores and characters , lost ideologies, and vane passions, primarily all becoming an obsolete abuse, or an outraged act so heavily against themselves, finally, leaving obvious, that is, only what obvious it is,and has been for a long time, and, even to those who have such a hard time coping and dealing with it: decadence! Yes, the main true interest of our beautiful and pragmatically over chic, conservative protagonists is a tragic sense of self rendition, madly accompanied by a lack of self esteem, while only sheer violence and a rather lusted lecherous need to almost abuse themselves and others grows more and more so inevitable and manifesting the tired and uneasy living and hated kept secrets or positions of one another ! But, while this same idea would have shined in the hands of some great director like let's say, Michelangelo Antonioni ( oh God i would have loved to see what Antonioni could have made out of this, and what cast he would have assembled, without in any case wanting to take away from this more B movie cast, which however must be recognized for its almost incredible effectiveness and hard work!) becoming just a meditative parabola over the extremism of the social class and their lengthy decadent fall, in an atmosphere suspended almost among the divine and the unconscious, becoming probably a late 1970's rather sought closure to all of Antonioni's incommunicable'a outstanding dramas filmed in the early 1960's, this film staying rather consistently far away from that route, does not even embrace the genius and way more raw and provocative rebellion and true breaking ground attitude that a Lars Von Trier, 20 years later would take, with it's marvelously cruel and almost pornographic work of Art, in the U.S., of course, heavily censored "The Idiots" in 1999, one of the very best Dogma films ever made! In Eriprando Visconti's almost garnished and way too polished film, every thing stays instead inevitably uneven and on the surface for a true lack of strong inspiration and of intents, and very cautiously trying to scandalize the same classes ( such as our previous reviewer who was clinging on counting on the naked bodies instead of concentrating of what might have made him/her do so! ) of the times with probably the thanks of his producers and International distributors, which again at the time, might have seen in this badly managed if beautifully photographed Spiral, the only reasons of possible financial gains.

Pornography: A Thriller (2009)

Confused, boring, troublesome and bothersome

[2/10 · 18 August 2013]

A plot that doesn't sustain any of its premises, and, some artificial, trivial, and, rather unnecessary assemblage of so called 'controversial' situations, we can hardly bare enough to care, before even completing to watch just the first half of this disjointed film. Here, we are never even close to an auteur film's atmosphere, or that of a Lynch's type of 'narrative construction',rather, we are closer to the likes of some lurid tale, confusingly and quickly put together,and, bragging some pretentiousness! And, this is unintentionally(i hope!)carrying the responsibility to cheat even more audiences over the meanings of a truly inspired,and, inspiring, highly artistic, personal piece of film work, with, in this case, whatever preposterous mix of Gay sub culture and wrecked psychological over tones, you may regret trying to follow in the lousy developments,and, dialog, infesting this movie and its lack of firm direction or basic film rules,featuring just some acting that drags performances into almost juvenile portrays,bringing most players down to such a misleading, unfocused state where indicated acting may just come as handy,as it is indeed,the over all,general confusion, and, profane misinterpretation of the failed intents of this production! I can be making excuses for low budgeting,technical difficulties, and, all the detriments that Independent Cinema must unarguably face today to even make it to the completion of a project,but, i cannot making excuses when to hide the lack of identity, and, real personal vision of products, such as this one,someone would use the name "Lynch" as, just an excuse to sell some slow moving, undefined material, as artistically challenging, because that, "Pornography"is not! I personally resented some of the "over heated","tweaked" sequences, written more like keeping in mind a conversation between raunchy costumers of some seedy sex house, rather than having in mind a film that would like to introduce us to a dark thriller with stylish tones! "Pornography"sadly kept reminding me of how transparent were becoming, all of a sudden, the radical but simply basic lines and substantial differences,within such a mess, and, instead,the electrifying, galvanizing experience someone could still get by watching(and,i would quite frankly recommend dearly "re-watching" many greater films, to all of those folks still having doubts on whether,this film has nothing merely even resembling the works of Lynch and of other talented filmmakers, or not, since we should all, at least, be able to understand, how hard it is to accomplish even just a mere impression of those contemporary masters' work, and, with such different creative ideas, cultural back ground's, talent,and,imagination, they must be working with!),something like "Lost Highway" or "Mulholland Drive",or even the out standing works of another great European director, whose name, someone even dared to make, when talking about "Pornography"! Especially unsuitable in this case,in fact, it was to read or hear cited by some, at the time of this film's premiere,the name of extraordinary director, Michelangelo Antonioni (well known in the US, especially,for the frenzy, the trend he established so unforgettably, with the mesmerizing mystery,and virtuoso script,and camera work,carrying his intense,unique "Blow Up"released by MGM back in 1967, when there was still someone truly caring for the cultural faith of this Country),who indeed made also a phenomenal movie about an unusual,unexplainable disappearance of a key character, bringing up events, eventually going much deeper inside the interiors,and "the reality", to the point of introducing,a completely new story,from the one the movie had originally started with! That glorious achievement "L'Avventura",was shot in Italy in early 1960,and,still gives incredible thought provoking thrills,and, many reasons for collective meditations over the never ending links between filmmaking,and representation of relationships, cheating, alienation, and, other social commentaries,including last,but, not least,a disease we all may experience and share at various levels today, called incommunicable feelings'despair. Again, quite frankly, after having watched such ineptitude,just the thought of such directors,and, subjects,feels out of place and utterly embarrassing, since Antonioni's,and, Lynch's works, in my opinion,should just not even be mentioned, when going through the motions of "Pornography", ultimately, becoming only just fine example of how lost and awry a movie project with, maybe even too many ambitions, considering the material's potentials, may so tragically turn out to be,at the end. I could also object that Lynch has never even edited a nonsense shot,like the many abominable ones we have gotta sit through here, but, at the contrary, how there's always plenty of heartfelt,visionary,meditative moments,and, insightful,layered content, able to introduce anyone into a new World, new experiences,and, philosophical journeys opening up new horizons to our lives and minds. But, why shall i even bother to go on? Would i be doing any good? I obviously don't have anything against daring, independent producers and directors,quite, at the contrary, love and try to route for, prize, and, always welcome all the works of new talented folks, even when not all completely accomplished, such as the films of P.T. Anderson,but, even those of Steve McQueen,John Cameron Mitchell,Van Sant,or of Todd Verow,and, Everett Lewis,for example,whose,movies are never less than compelling, but, always taking us through a creative,emotional,and spiritual journey of discovery! In fact, i have even bought and watched "Pornography",in its full entirety, before judging it so harshly! However, it did raise only one important moral question,and, that was just the absurd,but, painfully true misconception, today convincing many to believe, in good or bad faith, to be watching art films,instead of just boring, misguided,and tawdry attempts at exploitative, sporadic,utterly sensationalistic filmmaking.

The Brides of Sodom (2013)

Sodom gets the fair treatment!

[9/10 · 19 April 2013]

"The Brides of Sodom" is ironically very timely,controversial enough to enrage a few prude's, yet clever by not taking itself too seriously,despite what you will see! The story gets moved into a gritty future where Vamps(read"greedy,narcissistic society",glamorous creatures of the night common in Hollywood!)have taken over, starting to enforce pleasure, degeneration,encouraging consumerism, but, allowing none true freedom to those trying to live their lives far from the hypocrisy of a very corrupted system of superstition,unspoken hate,tragic secrets,alike fascist terror, dictatorships taking over financially shaky, uneducated Countries, whose power's been obtained with innocents' blood & fear perpetrating some of the worst crimes,such as, outrageous abuse of all laws & constitution: clear oppression's the ultimate scope.Now, this is certainly not a political film, but,it's a pity the creators hadn't followed more the original subtext, its moral, existential's key, just opting for a more commercial, less dangerously intellectual direction to please the fans of the Cult! Sensitive human,Samuel, who's made prisoner by handsome hunter, Eros,then, a sexual slave, by the lecherous Emperor of this tyrannical legacy,becomes clearly the main character,maybe a pretext to immediately show how lack of freedom is key to existences ruled by tyrants,even in a place where all customs seem to be "accepted" yet never fully granted, by the power,by its selfish, amoral code.Populated seemingly just by orgiastic courtesans, hot warriors&their tirelessly sexual obsessions, and the 2 handsome leads, ex model,executive producer,Domiziano Arcangeli,and,ex porn superstar,David Taylor(here, at his first mainstream acting role)seem wanting to"express"more with their glances, than with the words available by a strictly "Genre" script, however, one must say they certainly do make for one of the sexiest vampire's couples ever seen,at least in Gay/Bisexual's films, and, their smart director,exploitation Guru's, Creep Creepersin, who also wrote the script, does indeed not miss a beat to get the hunky Taylor attacking Arcangeli,then getting the 2 actors, pressured by very "human"needs,furiously getting a rid of their clothing, and, showing with fierce exuberance, all the skin they could possibly bare in one single frame, before erupting in effusions, so heavily erotic, they get to the limit of hardcore, in fact, i thought we were indeed getting close, but, at the end, they did always manage to end up carrying&holding themselves up, along the standard's of decency (at least for a NC-17rating of course),conveying within them an almost very true, dense sensuality,without ever,really trespassing that fine line,laying between legit acting, and,"the real thing" (like in the awfully sensationalistic "L.A. Vampires",a disappointment, from Bruce LaBruce).Very good, but, unfortunately the very contrived plot, never reaches for the deeper nature of its premise, that honestly feels almost forgotten,or simply not explored sufficiently, potentially having elevated this to a real experience,more profound,and,less exploitative! But, here it is exactly where the movie gets on fire:it has indeed plenty of beautiful moments,rich of1970's European Genre's suggestions to make for an entertaining, shockingly thrilling ride, especially for those who don't know how to appreciate Horror flick's, made with a provocative style!If,"The Brides of Sodom" is unashamedly filled with an extravagant mix of gore galore, an ensemble of Goth,S/M,and,its depiction of lurid events,typical of pulp narrative, but, of some of Anne Rice's novels,too, this movie becomes definitely most notable for its atmospheres, impeccably re-created,respecting quite the original's! And, thanks to a moody, dark,fine cinematography,its extremely "Caligula" alike scenes, offering even a sub plot set in post apocalyptic,nocturnal exteriors, where a stalking moon lights up bloody landscapes with sinister creatures, where our 2 main lovers are trying to celebrate some sort of "feral honeymoon", escaping from Eros's incestuous sister, a semi lesbian,quirky Princess,who's foolishly in love with her brother! Eventually, she would even take to bed mystic Samuel (he's half a Saint, half a whore, like in a John Ford's tragedy!),with the hope to save the Empire from the unforgiving cruelty of Dionysus(Dylan Vox), who's also extremely embittered by loosing Eros, to ex human Samuel! Eros made him into a vampire, to save his life, however, it's not all glowing at the Horizon, at the contrary, after the 2 hunks get an array of hot love making, impeccably delivered, we hit a very hard,unexpected twist,shifting the story,toward a whole new direction! Samuel now changes face, he's committed to find out about some deadly mystery linking the Empire to a frightening danger! And, so he becomes a dilemma of ambiguity, he will get himself in the graces of Dionysus,too, but to further in a plan, that may compromise everyone's future, if not executed. The Princess,searching for happiness, spends her nights, making love to gorgeous ingénues,lovely naked girls, brought to her, by the soldiers Satroi (performed by an ensemble of porn stars, and, some of the hottest underwear's models ever seen all together in the same movie!) in extremely gory, lesbian,or orgiastic greed, provoking her to slash the poor girls, with the fury of her insatiable fangs, and, that of her solitude! The movie(as you may understand)was for me, like more of a lavish,"tripper"odyssey, into the realm of Erotica, with unforgettable male sex scenes,and,a fine celebration of Euro's Horror's from the 1970's.So, if you are into a fun roller coaster's ride, that's happened to be cast with savvy intuition,featuring gorgeous hipsters,sexy witches, or violence's driven,filth obsessed courtesans(there's even Beverly Lynne,Skinemax's Queen performing a Nazi warden to an S/M's dungeon!),by handsome,muscular boys,with the help of their bosom's hot ingénues, in the semi nude,this makes for some show,displaying with a little malice,indeed (but who cares?) the decadence of an Empire, and its Fall (it seems,it's all fault, at the end,of Peter Stickles,from "Short Bus", who plays mute, but, extremely seductive "Book Keeper"), "Brides"will definitely give you more than an opportunity to spend one heated evening,without any of the usual clichés(must tell you,personally have enjoyed a lot more this one than those teased up,disappointingly flatter episodes, of something like"True Blood"),for sure a far more liberated"guilty pleasure",where either dreaming, or getting aroused by a clever combination of classic myths, Euro's exploitation at its most prominent, and, lush beauties,may have indeed its pay off!

Bigfoot (2012 TV Movie)

Bruce Davison at the Asylum? OMG!

[1/10 · 9 March 2013]

I could not even believe (when a friend had told me) that, a once talented and promising actor, like Bruce Davison was supposedly now making movies with the infamous Asylum! Well, i was wrong (not to believe)! He was/is, indeed!Asylum is well known to be the Z grade studio of Tinseltown, that one Sy/Fy, in a terrible, worrisome self destructive path, decided to give most of his movies, to get made to! Now, i am not in the Industry, but i happen to love Cult Films! But, if there's something Asylum knows very well, it's just how to massacre scripts, directors, crews in horribly cheap movies normally cloned out from some -already- mainstream stinkers! There's nothing worst for an actor of a certain name, like someone wrote before me, to appear in these films apparently! They say it's like a sign of full demise! By having (or shall i say truthfully: by not having been able to finish watching, despite trying real hard!)"seen" a few of those movies,since i do genuinely love Cult movies, i finally realized how Asylum destroys any sense of creativity or visual style, in favor of some of the cheapest, quickest, most annoying, and wildly boring narrative's and filmmaking ever to be "green lit"! Plots normally are so bad, they offend to behold, often they do owe an utmost discriminative undertone that mines jokes so cheesy, you'd never even hear 'em, in the worst Spearmint Rhino's joint, you'd ever had to go to! A truly offensive jamboree of fallen stars trying to pay,i assume, bills and mortgages,involved in malicious nonsense,producers think they'll be able to fix later,and, with bad, real boring CGI! Forget Corman, or better, rent Corman, or some good, old Euro's Exploitation from 1970's/1980's,instead! This is biting me and worst than ever, Sy/Fy is killing us all (it's a very well known fact, among Horror's and Sci-F's aficionado's) with this choice to grant to Asylum so much of their production! Who's making choices over there?Can they not see clearly, maybe? Only "Cinetel" used to make movies as bad as the Asylum's! Yet, there are so many interesting new (or older) directors, and, so much product, out there, you know? Yes, i mean, when you go to Fangoria, or even to some little Horror Film Festival, you're sure to get to watch some of those little campy,little cult jewels, that strive to get seen, afterward, instead, since, we normally cannot find them anywhere later on, while,we must take in all this oblivion, on the other hand! Who wants to punish us so bad? Oh boy! Then (back to point one!),find out that an actor like Bruce Davison, was making movies at Asylum! And, before i get a hold of one, he's now even directing them? So, had to rent this one, since was hoping that, maybe Mr. Davison had gotten some power to make something, at least, fun to watch! Man, was i wrong? One more time, stupidity, flat cinematography, flat everything, are all here, back again, very punctual, as usual, and, served or presented, i should say, in a not even so deceiving DVD's cover, complete, of course, of the same horrendously filmed scenes of killings, you have ever had to witness, and, so laughably shot, they must truly have thought (like someone else has said already,anyway) that they could have rescued them, with some of the cheapest CGI ever, instead of providing some professional SFX's on set! Really, too bad! I'd rather not talk about the plot,in the respects of Mr. Davison, but, this is frankly too much to behold! These movies don't even have a little sensuality, there's always such a painful sense of "castration", at the end, you are just left with the memory of such an impossibly bad acting (Look, when they even happen to hire some talented actor/actress by mistake, you are sure that you'll just get to see them in the back ground, while, the real cheese balls will lead on, instead! Why is that?), along with the same freaky (those yes, those are truly freaky indeed!) feelings of having been robbed, one more time, of your money! These thoughts are pretty much all about what's left, recurring way too sadly, in your back head, after watching the Asylum's productions! That's it! Wonder what is Sy/Fy doing, too? Anytime they have something a little better, you are sure it's coming either from Lions Gate or After Dark! Come on, those ones, without being true "examples" to follow, either, are most of the times, at least, some kinky, guilty pleasures (to watch)!Asylum's are just dead, trite, frugal and even bigot plots, directed, and cast like if it all had gone too bad, awry.. Like watching Sherilyn Fenn, who once worked with David Lynch, trying to act a few lines in this, wasn't enough of a detrimental experience, already! OK, now, i will just stop! But, i just hope that both Mr. Davison and Ms. Fenn get soon better assignments! And for us, fans, what do i hope? Uhm, Well, the movies are actually out there, people! Let's go to Film Festivals or Midnight shows, and, we will find them! Let's! Truly! Anything's gotta be better than this, sorry! And again, sorry, but, i have tried, and now, truly way too many times, so at this point, my feelings are truly sour and hurt! I won't do this again! I just want to claim my right to good, old campy Horror, back! Please! And then, I'd like to ask Asylum to please stop to get those atrocities out! People are complaining Worldwide! Just watch out!

Francesco (2002 TV Movie)

Visually pleasing, but superficial, and TV alike..

[2/10 · 18 February 2013]

Maybe because i know Michele Soavi as a Cult Film's director.Maybe because some of the reviews were so good, I would have never imagined that i was up for such a disappointment. Whichever my attitude towards religion(s) may be, I'm just watching a movie, for what it truly is and what i am able to truly perceive from it. I can only say that while, some visuals were vibrant and stylish as in some of Soavi's better works, especially, the script was instead, way too often lacking any depth or insight, and, any of that more profound research, it is so necessary to explore, when facing such historical complex themes! There was hardly any credibility on the characters and their motivations, or life styles, considering, especially, the times and places, where they were living and having to cope with (the Middle Ages, a very dark time of our History!). I understand that movies must be modernized, actually made understandable for audiences living at the present time, but, reducing a very insightful character like St. Francis,that, after spending years, living an uneducated existence, as the socially unaware, selfish and wealthy, privileged son of a rich and shady merchant, suddenly, after an incandescent and challenging epiphany happened while fighting a War he didn't even clearly understood, after coming home, realized the absurdity of any war or violence, and the hypocrisy of the times towards a World, until then, way too unknown to him, and, yet so large and vast to impress him to the point of becoming, as a result of a sense of extreme pity and virtue, one of the most famous rebellious young men ever, so ahead of his times, and, so clearly envisioning the absurdity, the corrupted Roman Catholic Church had done of the purest, most noble message and doctrine left by Jesus of Nazareth! So moved and so against the rules of his times, Francesco did what he could, abandoning everything he had: from its possessions, immediately given with generosity to the million of people then having to face misery and illnesses, for no apparent motive, other than the greed of a few powerful and (often) unlawfully enriched few families(like his very own) or members of the same Roman Church, who were neglecting the rights,all humans should equally have been given, and, were wildly insensitive to nature, and, its beauty often so violated by a foolish disrespect! Francesco, finally choosing to live in restraint, not only gave everything he'd owned, to the people, but,also started preaching to convince a few of his friends to do the same, at first, and, later, even trying to extend to others his extraordinary perceptions, taking him to incredible reveals and a strength so extraordinary to impress so many, becoming the enforcer of a new, and, singled out, Christian movement! This movie only partially achieves the interior and political "grandness" expressed in one of the strongest messages ever brought to Earth, by a very simple man! There are some spectacular moments, but, the direction results ultimately cold, and, extremely weak in its intents, maybe because of a narrative and cinematic mediocre style, that's completely non effective and deprived of a more personal enlightenment by taking on a story of a man, so deeply touched, to opt for extremely modern and unforgettable choices. While the music blasts like in a mediocre B movie, trying to copy Hollywood, without even having either that Classic filmmaking's mainstream force, nor its huge budgets, and, showing just an overview of way too many Historical references, resulting almost an inept, useless piece of work, plagued by an elusive script, filled with dialogs very often lacking authenticity or real sensibility, or spiritual consciousness. And at the end, this forgettably vacuous representation just shows so many flawed key choices and weakened intents, while, even its costumes and production design are often very much missing authenticity in favor of shock value or simple aesthetic needs, trying wrongly to cover up for all those emotional holes that ends up dooming this film made for TV, and, very much looking like a TV product of average quality, but, certainly, again so lacking cinematic strengths or more of a prime personal telling. I must say that was also quite surprised reading some of the naiveté of the comments who were so over estimating star Raoul Bova, playing St. Francis. While the actor gives here probably his best performance to date, he's still over all, often too wooden ,and most of all, emotionally insufficiently conniving to reproduce such profound challenging and life threatening choices, resulting, at times, almost fastidiously fake and more seemingly like a victim of the circumstances, more than a truly enlightened young man, touched by such infinite grace and vision. Bova lacks visibly any of the real qualities that only much greater actors could call, in order to believably portraying such complex ,and, at the same time fascinating realization, taking the character to its ultimate strength! He lacks the extraordinary cinematic quality, the actor of the Classic Zeffirelli's most famous movie about St.Francis, the aesthetic but truly touching, "Brother Sun, Sister Noon" was so profusely and naturally dispensing, and, he's miles and miles away from all the nobility and interior work, that, with impressive and penetrating acting force, Mickey Rourke had achieved so wonderfully, in the bleak and dark, yet way more truthfully conceived and historically reliable, Liliana Cavani's "Francesco", a very good and controversial movie, from 1989, so shamefully forgotten today, a movie that had also a much more clear vision and more personal interpretation of the story all together, and a phenomenal supporting cast, helping one of Rourke's most diverse performances, so successfully executed. This version is, at the very end, just like a little bit of a well done little homework, at times, even painfully "amateur" on its softness and sugary approach, yet often showcasing way too many pretentious images, and, exploiting story telling.

ChromiumBlue.com (2002– )

Excellent stylized show about those 24 Hour's Party people: a Showtime's true cult, to be rediscovered!

[10/10 · 2 February 2013]

Zalman King's Chromium Blue was truly one of a kind, and so was the sadly missed Zalman King, a genius in mixing hip, innovative and creative themes with seriously slick looks, comedy, music, fashion, travels, erotica, genres bending TV, all so well made with the brilliant use of an incredibly rich and unusual cast and contents, in each episode! I have a feeling that this will be finally one day regarded as a true cult show, and, experience,too! I am sadly reading that some other Canadian reviewer reported this as being a non sense show, even concluding his or hers truly poorly conceived and utterly disrespectful lame vision and review, with the threatening:" avoid this like the plague"! How would you even think it makes it OK for you to not recommend, but, actually, to even so offensively disregard such a Show, that i know, for a fact, it's instead considered by way many more open minded audiences, who are clearly just a little more evolved than you are or were (I hope)! Vampires, Sheiks, and, even the Nazi's mixed with the hip hop crowd, gorgeous models, and, handsome thief's, gypsies and playboys, or just, more simply described, as, that now mythical, Millennium's "24 hours party people crowd", all lingering and happily mixing together in a show so unafraid of clichés, to be able to showcase even a truly flamboyant main gay character, one of those gays who used to be fun and avant-guard, creative and never dull, seeking to pursue new contradictions or to open up new wild journeys or fashions! Yes, an over the top, and, truly liberated, unapologetically politically incorrect, dancing and laughing off, merrily, every prejudice, a self humorous fashion stylist, such as, the brilliant Popo, very lovingly, well portrayed by the amazing Domiziano Arcangeli, with an understated comic vein. Or again starring even a sexy driver like the kick ass, high energy Maria (astonishing beauty Summer Altice ) who just does not wear an uniform, but, is an extremely eclectic young woman, who could be either a Top model, or even a Bond girl, when demanded, like when, on occasion, co-piloting , with a sophisticated butler (so wonderfully nailed by legendary British character actor, Ian Abercrombie) an helicopter or even a private jet, and, allowed to love aggressively men when she wants, and, to reject them when she doesn't want them or need them! There's also a young handsome billionaire, Henry Brooke, who's funding the whole adventure from the mysterious Castle, up to the Hills of what you'd love to think it"s Transylvania,and, where he's retired,after a life threatening motorcycle accident, now a constant virtual presence, to fully fulfill the most romantic parts of the show, and introducing, Viviam Vadim's resourceful, always classy, and, also extremely anti cliché heroine, who is a smart and clever, compassionate, yet wild and fun host to the guest stars, normally young, but romantically dissatisfied, lovely young ladies, coming on board, through the virtual Chromium Blue's site, and, after getting a complete makeover, immediately being set up, by the never exhausted, always spirited, Chromium Blue's clan for a dream romance which happens always with punctuality, but, never in the same fashion, allowing the multiplication of the genres here introduced! The guests here just mostly needed a break from the usual routine, to reconsider or even growing into themselves, before going back home, like after having spent a wonderful and unforgettable vacation, which is the whole , and, not so secondary, point of the Chromium Blue! Ah, isn't this all wonderfully riveting and exceptionally crafted and created? Yes, and, if the editing of the show isn't traditional, it is because it often follows more the "senses" or the psychological adventure and growth into this new life of pleasures, than the logic of the action sequences, that are really second to the message that so needs to be brought out loudly and extended to others with generosity, since, while it might be important to live and work, and, to have a life dedicated to accomplishments and goals, or simply having a family, it would be also as essential, to never forget, that wonderfully "youthful side" laying within ourselves, but, that once in a while, just kicks in to call our attention for a distraction, or a break, to just understand who we truly are and how we truly are living, and, I cannot imagine a place, possibly better than the always so blissfully rejuvenating Chromium Blue, with its foolish crew of happy people, always partying without remorse, but, always also working for us, like embracing a mission and never just some job! Very far from that, actually, there's certainly no doubt! I believe that there are so many people who have reconsidered the main theme of this show: it is already spreading some Cult resonance in the big cities, where this show has today many admirers who would like to "spread" to others the real fun yet life challenging message and philosophy, coming from the Chromium Blue and its wild and irresistible crew, so well orchestrated back then by Zalman King's unique eye for glamor and fashion, beauty and creativity, never forgetting that freedom of choice, in this case, obviously was meant as a form of providing us, with something so brave, so completely sharp and new, bringing us towards new poles and considerations, trends and social commentaries! But only now, in 2013 (over 10 long years later) this concept has, at long last, finally appeared, more and more so, in diverse, new trend setting shows, slowing, but, surely getting exactly to that same look and new narrative format ( which was back then considered obviously ahead of its time, to scare many) that was instead exactly where Chromium Blue, had already been, and, i stress, way over a decade ago! Time to rediscover the origins of a true, colorful, never ending, fun cult!

Killers (1997)

OMG: This is at the origins of Asylum, one of the most detrimental mini Studios ever!

[1/10 · 28 December 2012]

This film is so bad, so deprived of any structure,or redeeming quality of sort, so uncannily aware or unaware, mostly, uninterested, i believe, of showing any visible filmmaking training, or just, even some simple education,for that matter,so demented, and, so badly shot, so poorly acted by people, whose non acting abilities,or whose faces are so lacking in any department of even frugal,passable modeling material, it would be almost impossible to find any worse, just even through a very accurately long lasting casting search, that all together, the whole thing comes out truly so depressing, and, demeaning, you may wanna give up on movies for a while, or, if you were just a little familiar with the Industry, you could only guess, such atrocity could have been made only by "that David Michael Latt", who has become these days (and, believe it or not, everything is still obviously possible,in this Country!) one of the "moguls" of a terrible,and, utterly detrimental, annoying, poisonous, little studio, that's making, supposedly, a picture every month, and, it is called "Asylum"! Oh well! lol But, what's even worse news than all the above mentioned, it is that the Asylum got itself a DEAL with the Sy/Fy Channel! And,that most of their films are even distributed largely everywhere, all over the World,in DVD! Now,after watching "something" so unbearably bad, such as "Killers", you may even be able to understand, why, lately, those Sy/Fy movies have been all so intolerably bad, some real stinkers, that are irritating a half of this Country, but, that are yet still getting made, and, not only for cheap, but, also, normally shot in a few rushed days, by crews resembling more a little group of juvenile students in shorts, coming from some suburban Film School, than even the most crude, smallest,independent pedestrian crew, of any other B grade Genre movie, where, at least, some semi qualified and passionate individuals would be at least trying to get ahead in the business,instead of messing up almost with some sadistic pleasure! And,shall we bother to mention,as well,that, here at "the Asylum",they normally use some "incredible" sets, such as hidden few woods,just out of the sight of the LAPD's police jurisdiction,so that the producers can even pocket the budget originally planned for shooting permits, and,then, for interiors,they move in, as a treat, in some of those untidy kitchens,in the apartment of one of those vapid PA's,they hire for way below scale, while,all the rest of the assembled,often, senseless footage, is edited in, with lots of other B rolls, or stuff shot (very, very badly)on a blue/green screen, and, helped with guts to look OK(since, at least, they've got to eventually put together some vaguely promising trailer) by some OK(when you're lucky..that is!)CGI work, normally virtually enhanced by a cheesy, bloated to levels of unconventional,and, previously unheard stupidity, music score, unintentionally laughable, wildly inappropriate,and, most of the times, recycled(obviously) from some "Gaudi" piece from a Studio film's library's left over,either robbed,or bargained down for a few bucks, and, a couple of "promised" favors. Now, if this is a winning recipe, they might have - and,this is a must say, too!- achieved,for the very first time in History,ever, the financially remunerative creation of the first D grade movie Studio,able to get away with murder(truly, of what "murder",you may now ask? But, "the murder" of the real movies,of course! That's what I'm talking about, and, yes, even of the D grade ones!),since, without any style or ambition, class or preparation, nor passion for,at least, some of the most mercenary cult elements, ever abused, but, just actually by using a series of basic standard, fraudulent short cuts in very bad filmmaking (if of that we can even still talk!) that, even people like Lloyd Kaufman of Troma's, would find way too plain, and,just a tad too cliché,to be at the end, even merely interesting, to bother in the making of a Z grade picture, out of each one of them! Yet,people keep on buying this crap,and,getting robbed,because of robbery, we are talking about,while,at the end of 'such presentations",they'd be discussing the end of what once was called the Golden Era of Hollywood, when, even D grade pictures had, at least, some dignity, and, if Corman was just a genius, at times, experimenting on a few LSD's bad trips,but, then producing little masterpieces,even someone clearly demented and disturbed,such as Ed Wood, had, at the very end of the day, a true mythical aura,next to all this! Just let me tell you, even a poor commercial for some of the cheesiest club in Reno,Nevada, could be easily Academy Award's material, by comparison to this Bologna, and, even with some right, and, appropriate argumentation's! That being said...

Shampoo (1975)

Excellent everlasting bitter satire and wild comedy about LA, sorry, Beverly Hills!

[10/10 · 23 November 2012]

It's a shame to read, as in today, that, the rating of this little classic masterpiece, that also happened to be one of the biggest box office smash's of the 1970's all over the World, has such a low grade scoring on IMDb! Explanation? Easy: lots of reviews from people who don't get LA, or Beverly Hills, most of all, lots, way too many, crazy, fool reviews from people literally "intoxicated" by the brutal Cinema of today, made only and with lots of money and useless subplots or science fictional sets: they do not even get that today we must use all that crap just to cover mostly up for what's so dramatically lacking: the force of genius, like in this great movie, or just a great script and solid actors, directed by a truly great director,with a vision! Shampoo is one of those movies that still speaks and widely to anyone! If you can listen,still, that is! A classic! The more you see it, the better you get it, and, it gets.. the more you understand its flawed characters, the melancholic subtext,the loneliness of a city like LA,where everything is dominated by money& superficiality,like looks.In LA someone good looking makes almost commercial asset out of it! Then they feel shallow and empty,and try to embrace spirituality to forget all the broken dreams! Or there're always drugs, handy. The lucky ones get married well,and, are unhappy anyways! Even lonelier than before! Not that LA is an awful town!We have got gorgeous woods,Oceanside,Hills with splendid views,sunshine, desert and Oasis, even Lakes.. We live quite healthy life styles (too bad we then use drugs to party and think we are still young..).. And, there's after all, some great architecture. People just don't know where to find it, but there is,actually! It is just the over all mentality,that kills every human feeling, that leaves you as drained as an old swimming pool! But,this sums up very well the all Country's mentality as well! In fact, LA is a melting pot, and,it is a place where you can invent and re-invent even the non existing: nobody wouldn't even ever know his/her limits, or at least, a little humbleness! They call you weak, if you're delicate and unassuming! If you even have had a 2 lines speaking role in a B movie, you must carry on yourself with an attitude: impress always, to get a little respect! Then what about all that sex? Yes, we do lots of it, because, sexual freedom aside, we are lonely, and, we always deceive ourselves.. We always wanna hope for something that's never going to be there.. looking for what's not really available! That is the true main philosophy! Back then as it is now! I think both Beatty's and Christie(she is truly divine here: unforgettable lines, incredible presence,strength,intellectual, glacial yet almost burning wit: her melting down party sequence, with that Iconic look and that unforgettable,trend setting,sequined black dress, she wears like a glove,almost like Marilyn wearing the Jean Louis's flesh gown to sing "Happy Birthday" to JFK,it is one of the most well known images of great, Classic US/Hollywood Cinema!). Goldie Hawn's a bit annoying, but truthful to her character,over all, while, the phenomenal Lee Grant and Jack Warden both shine in more classic representations of immortal LA classic characters! And, best work ever for both Carrie Fisher and Tony Bill,too! What can you say? With a script as clever and damned layered without bragging or going over useless extensions,as only the most vivid Robert Towne's job ever, could deliver,after or, along the lines, with"Chinatown",and,then, genius Hal Ashby,directing, with his personal, light, yet so unmatchable touch, Beatty,at its most powerful ever, producing and starring creating a sensation,opposite(again) an almost otherworldly Julie Christie and all the rest of the phenomenal players,What else needs to be said? Aside, from excellence, with no replay? How could you possibly beat this one up? Nobody can or could. Ever. And, especially, today! And, if you don't get it, i am sorry, you don't get true Cinema!

Un posto freddo in fondo al cuore (1992 TV Movie)

Excellent European mini TV-series with lots of references over the restless youth of the 1970's

[9/10 · 23 November 2012]

I remember this,as one of the most entertaining, yet moving, surprisingly well made, International mini TV series made in the early 1990's through an elaborate co-production of sort. It had a vibrant,diverse cast of wonderful actors,mostly Italian, but, all with an extremely "worldly" look,and,they were all extremely gorgeous, with very good looking features and a very unconventional look:this i believe was a co-production between Italy,Spain,and, Germany,maybe, even more Countries, and,its budget was quite big, and, clearly so, especially,if you think TV! It truly had,and, all the way through, a stronger,and, way more solid story telling and structure, than, even above average TV products, and, while, its strengths ,maybe, were generally more commercial, than films who were dealing, especially then,with such politically charged themes,this one was something you'd be fascinated to watch, and, whose twists and, at times, convoluted plot's developments were always more presented and visualized,in a dense, Film like dramatic unraveling mode, a lot more with images who were clearly thought and made more like for Cinema, than TV's, if you know what i mean! Also, the whole 4 hours (and some) plot felt, a bit like, another, more recent, Italian-French mini TV series,that is also more well known, because eventually was shown theatrically,even in the US, with some success, and, called "The Best of Youth"(2002). This one,however, in more of a 'mystery',and, less political fashion, was very much exploring the lives of some restless, damned youth protesting against the system, in the early to mid 1970's,too. At one point,a series of erratic, and, never quite completely explainable, or resolved disappearances of some of the main leads, was becoming particularly the unnerving core of the whole plot, leaving space for an enigmatic "search" over their turbulent lives, executed, by commands over an order from the Authorities, a while later on, in 1990. So, almost 2 decades later, through the, at first, almost impossible to track down, then more, and, more, progressively surfacing stories,at times, bringing emblematic, even stunning, incredible revelations,an handsome Interpol inspector (who had also a never 'until the end revealed' personal motive) was discovering through a private investigation into the past, a whole new "truth" over the motivations and personal lives of 3 boys and a girl,who had fought to change the World, 2 decades earlier. The inspector, at the beginning, quite resigned himself, was increasingly growing passionate over those people's events, while traveling for information,pretty much all over,and, not always welcomed by some, but, still with the help of a few (at least reachable, if defiant) friends, or relatives of those long believed to be dead, young protesters of another time,ending to make light over what more of a political stand, was finally a more pertinent, incisive portrait, about the unresolved past, of a melancholic group of sensitive, idealistic,and, very much in love, young people. Through the use of always intense,long flashback's (the main part of the whole piece, anyway) we were to find out, with more clarity, about each one of them, and, not as reported, by certain revisionist press of the time, but, just, through their true singular journeys in those complex years of terrorism and revolts against consumerist systems,while, the hope to put an end to the Vietnam's war was becoming a main motive for the most of them. This was indeed a very handsome work, at the time, I believe, not completely appreciated by most, and, accused to be too indulgent with some of the personal stories of the people here portrayed, which i always had thought, instead,as,very sensitively described, while, at the contrary, some critics felt it, at least, back then in 1991 or something, still over 20 years ago,all as it had been made look like "way too sentimental",by being "filmed with an annoyingly way too handsome, almost, pleasant, and, often misleading tone and visual style". That might have even been true,I don't know now, anymore, but, i keep a wonderful memory of it all, and, I wish i was able to see again this wonderfully dark, yet, always spectacular and suspenseful, idealistic and romantic tale of youth and memory, which, was also taking place during such a complex and always fascinating, creative decade like the 1970's: i indeed remember very well, however, that the "period" had been brought to life, with authenticity, and, always with extraordinary realistic attention! That was a great feeling, back then, that added one more, particular, greater reason to make of this TV movie, something i would have never wanted to have missed! Embellishments? Maybe a few, but, over all, the backgrounds were always real, and, so were all the characters portrayed in it, with their, sometime, unexplainable, enigmatic, but always deeply heartfelt life's choices. So,again, what's wrong with that? If, that was indeed the only reason to criticize (as i remember) this wonderful film, then, I truly wish television were all so "embellished" and "sentimentally charged", as this was supposedly perceived back then,in Europe, and, yet I wish they'd still make mini TV series exceptionally created, as much as this one certainly was, these days!

Kingdom of Gladiators (2011)

Oh well: Why casting such terrible actors and in such a poorly executed plot

[1/10 · 17 November 2012]

I cannot even know where to begin or what to say here. Is this a movie? Uhm.. Maybe. There are some pretty gorgeous locations, but the script, the actors, the direction, SFX, and any technical support, including (ahi ahi!) editing are so plain awful, to look almost virtually amateur. I had heard good things about Stefano Milla. Well, this movie is truly something to stay away from. Most of all, Mr.Milla needs casting advisers! There are so many great,intense, driven, good looking actors, under unemployed and he gets these people? Let me tell you, we are on a "beyond awful" grade here. Juvenile can be fun in 8th grade, but, after that it becomes a place of no return. Felt sadness and disconcert, bore, and, finally,despair: why Italian genre movies have gotten (for the most part) so bad? The only one to stand out seems still to be Ivan Zuccon, who's always has great actors in his films, and, an extreme visual strength. These other guys.. are, well.. not truly able to deliver something professional, or even merely bad, yet.. Just amateur crap.

The Offerings (2009)

So bad, it could never be any worse

[1/10 · 6 November 2012]

Why is Horror and Genre movies being handled by people like the detrimental Charles Band, or The Asylum! And why despite all these amazing bad reviews and comments (you figure i have never met anyone who could even merely stand one of these!), people asking for their money back and so on, why this demented, disrespectful crap is still being made? Why? I don't know, it is just so not right, especially since being a huge fan of B movies, cult's and Horrors, I am always having fun whenever there's at least an attempt in making something decent! But, here, there's no respect, there's no boundaries, most of all, there's no movie! Charles Band and the people at the Asylum are guilty up to an extent though! I personally would call them scam artists, con artists and not filmmakers, but, who's even worse than them is the Distributors buying this crap, instead of a lot more deserving movies I often see at some Genre's Film Festivals and that rarely get released, or if they do, they even get less space and attention of these atrocious boring non movies! Abortions my mother called them, and so referring to something she obviously not only despise, but, also avoids! Why haven't I? Oh, believe me people! I am not into pain or sadomasochistic activities at all! I will, from now on! And, like the plague! And, also because crap like this is an offense to the culture of our Country (hey.. and that's already saying something, right there ha ha!) but, I had, before, refuse myself i was so rightly so doing for quite a while, just based on other people's comments or on dear friends suggestions! Well now, there's one more motive! Wanted to be fair and had to go through (I honestly ever made it to a three quarters, but, should be getting kudos, because of that!) to a few Charles Band's productions, finding them some of the worst scam, especially, certain homo erotic's movies he produces, with some director, David De Coteau! Man, that stuff wasn't just bad and boring, cheap and cheesy, that stuff was sick,morbid! YUK! Ewwwwww Young guys in speedo's (those two should be ashamed of themselves) exploited while making out for virtually 100 minutes! That's disgusting! And i am not homophobic at all, but, that was just plain insulting and disturbing, way more than some good erotic flick! This does not have those, but, just has amateurish everything and bore to no END! People, let's strike against these frauds! LET'S STOP BUYING or RENT ANY OF THESE MOVIES! BE WARNED: Either Charles Band (FULL MOON Ent.) or THE ASYLUM's logo on the DVD mean that you're never gonna watch anything good, but actually, either, an AMATEURISH BORE or a vulgar rip off of someone else's film, most likely, actually, certainly, made for cheap, featuring some of the worst acting ever seen worldwide (by the way, WHO CAST THESE NON MOVIES??? WHO? I would wanna see them on their faces!) and, most of all, remember you are spending money into something you may save, and, just watch instead (and for free) some really fresh and cool internet TV Series on you tube! You'd be surprised how EVEN THOSE, if next to such deplorable fare like this one here, or other products coming from those 2 awfully corrupted Brands, may be feeling COOL, FRESH, and even professionally shot, at times! Not too much to ask, uh?

The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1955)

Just my opinion, i feel i am entitled!

[8/10 · 2 October 2012]

All other reviewers have largely,and, from very different prospectives, told us all about we needed to know about the story,a lurid 1910's upper Manhattan's scandal, its acute sensationalism and the 3 principals, all victims of their 'so typically' scandalous,yet, "attractive" misfortune, one of the most famous classic American tragedies in a way! But,plot aside, what bothers me the most, by reading even too patiently, all the other reviews posted so far, is how terribly quickly, all the other people poorly rated this movie. with no consideration nor understanding of the different times,immediately labeling this movie, as mostly outdated, annoying, ridiculous, boring,and even badly done! This is just an outrage! An outrage to the greater Hollywood of the Golden days: are people unable to understand that a movie filmed actually in 1955, is still a great movie,today, certainly without CGI or the visuals generated extravaganza's to which we are compulsively used (or addicted,rather?) today? I am a huge Old Hollywood films buff, but,i do indeed recognize very often a film's limits,which here are only a different narrative, that is still extremely effective, even if paced differently, and told without all the (natural) progress and maturity that the art of the craft of filmmaking has achieved, yet loosing something else forever, and that is, if i may say, that magical quality those movies, then truly owned, and, that some may still recognize today, especially, if watching such material, properly, in a restored wide screen print, and on the silver screen,where they belong! People may then be surprised of what a show they could still admire, while, also having a whole different version of a story still developed with a lot more depth, talent, and visionary creation, than what is barely left today to our always more formulaic, more modern, and more all the same, films we get, certainly, more attuned to our standards, but without any wiser basic execution! And, on top, like a few did,it is very unfair, almost a bit vulgar to me, to critique, the magnificent directorial work of true iconographic master director Richard Fleischer, his very cinematic rendition of this classic tale of American classic icons: if someone had to say something, i would ask then who could direct today with taste,such a disturbing study like this one? The direction here is exquisite, and, yes, filmed in gorgeous CinemaScope and De Luxe Color (and not Technicolor!) a more pastel version of the saturated color film stock then in use, but, primarily a classic exclusive of 20th Century Fox throughout the 1950's and 1960's up to the 1980's believe it or not! The cinematography,the rich costumes, accurate set dressing, production design, hair and make up, are all stunning, the acting adequate, with great professionals! Wooden? No. That was the way people would act before the advent of the Actor's Studio and of the new American Cinema that came a decade later, completely changing the style and the Studios themselves, and, as a proper evolution of our Time! And, Monroe pledged for the Collin's part, and with the new look for her recreated by Milton Greene, I am sure she would have been quite a sensation, believe me, i only wish i could watch today,how Monroe, with her new, and ,more adequate make up, hair, and with the direction of a better director,could have played Nesbitt! I think she would have made probably a Classic of this one, and absolutely a stunner! And, especially, as it was supposed to be, if the Granger's role, would have then been played by James Dean (Yes, did anyone know??) who'd said to be extremely interested in portraying what was in fact a juicy and perfect role for him, a part he could have brought to even higher sinister weights! While, giant Frederic March, had been rumored for the part who eventually went to Milland, and that is, when Fox, "as usual stupidly" aggravated with Marilyn for having left Los Angeles, promptly nixed to Monroe the role! A role,of course, they knew she wanted, but, almost to dictate who had the power, they said no to Marilyn, knowing that so they'd be having both Dean and March to withdraw immediately, when, gorgeous, yet virtually unknown (then) Collins was to play the lead! Fox basically spoiled an unique occasion, a memorable film just to punish the star: they were mad, since MM, after refusing to make 3 pictures, one after another (one of them,co-starring Frank Sinatra,Eve Arden,and Robert Wagner "Pink Stockings" to be directed by Hathaway, was already almost in production, and quite honestly possibly a decent romantic comedy, but, Marilyn's opinion was that Nunnally Johnson had again built an almost basically decorative role for her, without any substance in it!) had left Hollywood, preventing Fox to banquet on her! But her commitment to studying was so incredibly strenuous, that when she finally came back to work at Fox an year later,for the melancholic BUS STOP, with the patient and wise direction of the great friend Joshua Logan, a true clever director,Marilyn delivered such an incredibly modern,touching,layered performance,only the Academy of those grim years refused to acknowledge, while, even her most stubborn of her detractors, had at long last, to admit that "the Lady could act, and not just being a tramp!".

The Devil Within (2010)

Revolting, dragging example of the worst cinema ever conceived!

[1/10 · 30 August 2012]

Sorry if i may sound a bit harsh! But let me tell you that in these days when, it is almost becoming an increasing habit to download for way to cheap or from the black market, any type of music and movies, without realizing that by so doing, they are destroying the only creativity left in the Entertainment Industry,and that, eventually and very soon, production will come to a stop, if they so keep on stealing, i am the one of those few, who always pays for his own movie tickets, DVD's/Blue Ray's and CD's! So i also feel the full right of bluntly honest expressed, when i payed for this abomination. A plot, that makes no justice to cult or Horror Films,and quite bring to a whole new level the word demeaning. Something so horribly created, directed, acted,well, if, of acting we can even talk here, where, even the savvy partial nudity is profane and vulgar and cheap, since all girls don't even seem belonging to the world of acting, but more to the one that represent the oldest profession the World can ever remember of! The guys are just so plain, considering all those talented, unusual, penetrating faces the world of underground Horror often tends to present, and i am thinking about people like Sid Haig,Tony Todd,Domiziano Arcangeli, Dylan Vox or even Toby Hemingway or Desmond Harrington,that probably weren't even available to read such a detrimental script,so shallow, bland,and juvenile, that you keep wondering how someone could even wanna produce! And last,but certainly not least,"something" filmed so badly to be able to bring to mind only some sort of real bad,poorly executed students film, whose director, had been plagued by severe hung over, during the weekend of this ill fated production! What else to say? Nothing,there's just nothing else to be said, sadly,and think that, normally i find great guilty and rewarding pleasures by exploring titles like this one,but here there's only one thing you may be wanna fully aware of: Run!

Born to Ride (2011)

What a waste! Please read and think about this consideration though!

[1/10 · 17 August 2012]

My goodness, what an awful film! Why even wanting to finance this,since there's so much better material out there! Why putting a budget,into something written out of commission,directed&produced so clumsily,without any trace of style,professionalism?Why, not going,for one of those great B movies of the Past,solid and vibrant,somewhat innovative,by trying to hide the obvious,dressing up with style,and moody visuals the lack of greater writing or production values,to achieve,with the intelligence and knowledge,typical of real directors&producers,so called for a merit,a brilliant,not so common artistry,belonging to those,just used to be known with "such names" for a reason,people able to pull together a movie with personal filmmaking? Here we are,instead,dealing,not only with a movie,obviously conceived and thought by people unable to put on to practice what love for the Seven Art should be,but,one of those products,coming out of procrastinated "favors",financial transactions gone awry,by clearly blindfolded investors,in need to fire immediately,whomever was even able to persuade or advice them to put money into useless,insignificant,trite Projects,like this one, sheering just for a painful showcase of negligence,anchored to a script,almost surprisingly stellar,in its lack of character development,or insight&creativity! All together,this shows to me,at its very best,what I believe,would be clear,even in film school:a true absence of any basic training in film's writing,and,quite an example,of prime abnegation for directing with some sense,with some style,while,displaying,in abundance,lots of bad dialog,only! Now,why the managers/agents of actors,that,after all,have worked for many years,acquiring a certain standing,would even consider to read such misfires,getting their clients compromised in such creative and financial disasters?What deeply unnerved me,and saddened me the most,was to see,a still wonderful,talented lady,like the chameleon like,truly gifted,Theresa Russell ending up in such a cheap mess! I understand today there's a general crisis and that even bigger budget's films,great producers,writers&directors,are going through an awful lot of grief,due to illicit downloads,Torrent's rip-off's,and that absurd mentality that's destroying also the Music business,the increasing,delirious common idea that Entertainment is not something we pay for anymore,but,rather,something we can get for free,and,even if,we'll only get to consume it,try to enjoy it,in its worst prints&copies,it is still for free,making of the act,some sort of smart saving,or clever move,without realizing,instead,that,we're just 'buying' a product at its worst,while,refusing to learn,what's going to be a dramatic&World challenging event,soon to be making News:before we even can imagine,in fact,nobody will be able to make/produce,anything new,without a cash flow! Result? All of those who believe now to be very clever,by not paying for a product,will end up as victims of their own greed,and dishonesty,having to watch or listen only to old films,old music,a few left over's,of an Industry (the Entertainment Industry,that is)already in agony,now,and,very soon to be dead,for the lack of real funds! A business reduced to a bunch of Studios who must deal with Corporations,that don't know about true movies,and finance a few formulaic projects,just over computer's or marketing's projections,with no interest for the best intents of the crafts that make,instead,what we have loved&dreamed of,for ever! Corporations don't invest in what they believe to be too risky motion pictures,since they are virtually ignorant of the magic of movies, a true Art,not made just by Finances,furthermore,they don't respect Audiences,either,that is why we get so many disappointing films,and always,less innovative,dreamy shows,like the ones we used"to kill for" in order to see,and at least twice,in a Theater!As for the independent Companies,always well known to be most creative,the ones still bringing us the truly amazing and unique films,are,on the other hand,right now,almost on the verge of bankruptcy,struggling to make a picture every now and then,selling to Distributors unable to pay for products anymore,since what they make back,is often not enough to pay expenses of marketing and labor,and all the quality,needed to bring us the best:higher quality has costs,since it requires the hard work and commitment of lots of people,that are instead loosing jobs,not getting payed&honored! To top this off,there are a few other Distributions,operating in full dishonesty,hiding from the filmmakers,even those little profits made,so instead,of getting something else in production,Independent Companies are coming to an end!In fact,by hiding that money into their pockets,those Companies,fearing also bankruptcy,do only play a game that's been destroying the industry,knocking it down from its own foundations! What a mess,i hope you're thinking,now! Yes! But,why,opening this sad subject here,while reviewing this poorly crafted dud? Just,over the thought,that making a movie is a very hard job,which not only requires genius,very special talents,but,the dedication of many artists&great technicians!This requires money and a payroll,too,like any other respected business,of sort. It should require even more than that,since,if we don't get some true great minds,involved in the making of pictures,all you can get,is just"something"shallow like "Born to Ride"!And,even employing,someone like Theresa Russell,who made terrific movies,giving insightful,at times,even unforgettable performances,and always had an image of a real cult star,does not help!Now,she's struggling,painfully embarrassed,in a production,she should not be in,to respect of her talent,but also of the movies and to remember integrity is still alive&kicking! However,everyone's gotta make a living,and that's a fact! So,instead of criticizing the horror of current filmmaking,the lack of ideas,Art,and talent,we are often put through,let's start to think differently,and,while demanding real Films,Stars&Directors,let's also start realizing the necessity of a real change! How? Let's begin with paying in full,for what we wanna watch and entertain or elevate ourselves with,let's change the World,by refusing&protesting against films like this one,but, also by paying for anything that strives to be superior, for what we really love to watch! Realizing how worth it is to pay,for something that make us dream,yet showing us where only a greater vision could take us to, will perhaps help to save the Entertainment's World from its demise,while still granting us what we most appreciate&love to see!Movies can make our lives a more noble,wider experience! The crisis shows clearly what it is happening,by watching these bad pictures,so,let's regain a right to the real Movies,by making a change ourselves!

Il tuffo (1993)

Great little underrated and forgotten Italian movie!

[10/10 · 28 July 2012]

I simply loved this film: saw it by chance in a small art house theater when i used to live in Roma,Italy,about 20 years ago. It had a small release, despite very good reviews, and, even a few Awards, if i do remember well! This movie haunted me, it was truly able to make me feel the pains and loves of its leads, while completely embracing the almost surreal, poetic atmosphere of a lonely full Summer, spent far away from beaches or local resorts! it was very romantic and nostalgic at the same time, splendidly photographed with realistic, yet subliminal images of a breezy, windy suburban city near by Rome, just in the middle of the Summer, when all Italians use (or better: used!) to go on vacations for almost a full month, leaving cities almost deserted, but just because of it, more interesting, somewhat mysterious and romantic. This movie was dealing with the delusions of a young man, with a subtle but intense and insightful narration, also, telling of a very first, maybe impossible love, that a younger couple, connected to the young professor was experiencing, in the splendor of the grass..The man was not afflicted by this, but emotionally challenged, while, at the same time,the coming of age, rich of dreams and Summer's stellar nights,was alternating its heartbeat, with a much less enchanted existential realization,the one of our lonely protagonist.There were also many other small, but key characters, somewhat populating this little enchanted Universe, making of this beautiful little film, an unforgettable gem! I wish i could get to see it again, but it seems to be very obscure,these days, and, certainly, it was quite almost "invisible" back then, even when it came out! Just a few small Cinemas in the main cities of Italy,which showed it for about a week or so, did not make any justice to "IL TUFFO", which, especially in a time, when Italian cinema was sadly falling down to bad, real bad movies, or terribly boring, cliché' TV productions, tried hard to introduce a new valid author and director,cast and crew! But, i don't think this great result helped anyone, much! Since, despite being recognized, the film did not make any business! Unfortunately, Italian films these days seem to be "governed' and "ruled" by a system that does not allow real talent and greater little films (like this one!) to come to the surface, almost to discourage audiences into worse and worse products,or American films!And, instead of pushing good projects, in order to revive the national scene, that was once, one of the greatest,most sensational Films Industries in the World, with memorable artists and masters, seem to let them drown in a sea of bland distrust! Maybe this was not a true masterpiece, but for a first film, it looked ravishing and full of promise! If the French had had a movie like this one,I am sure, its director would have been groomed to become an international sensation! What a pity!

The Land That Time Forgot (2009 Video)

Asylum= Thrash

[1/10 · 16 May 2012]

Was hoping a few years back that this new Company Asylum was to be a sort of new Hammer Films, for the LA underground scene of the new Millennium: but after watching a few movies, i quickly realized how pedestrian, amateur, and vulgar these non films are! There's virtually no redeeming virtue,no attempt to make anything at least with some visual style or interesting innovative take! It is just a land of despair, where all actors desperately trying to make a living are exploited in characters without any development, the supporting cast is made by stunt players or,if by any chance,there was anybody good (like in another film,called "Countdown:Jerusalem", so bad and convoluted,to make hardly any sense at all,and, where, had sadly noticed that while, most supporting roles were given to experienced actors virtually set up to failure, almost mocked by having to portray with their usual professional intensity,non roles,the leads,instead, were played by some people who looked honestly had never even acted before,or, most likely never even thought to pursue acting at all!) you can be sure they'd almost hide her/his presence, since it seems that any artistic requirement in this new type of filmmaking, is to be bashed and condemned! Art direction,Costumes and especially make up are normally also so wildly bad,ridiculous and just so wrong, that even an Ed Wood movie,by comparison, could get Awards,next to this ugly boredom. I must say that if anybody deserves praise,here, then i should mention the Editors of these 'so called features', since it is obvious they work with material that looks less inspiring than 7 days old garbage, and still always try to cut it with some professional talent, in order to avoid complete disaster! Why making films like this? I hear there are so many talented filmmakers out there, unemployed, and yet, the once fun Sy/Fy Channel, now has decided to give most of their production to this inept,lazy, vulgar Film Company, that gives a bad name to Genre films,and just during a time when such movies had just been rediscovered from the past, and brought back with a new sense of style and creativity by a few interesting new independent directors, who strive instead to get funded. It's insulting to watch such ridiculous nonsense, sad to see money spent this bad, and worrying to think major cable channels have deals to make more of this Z grade standard degraded 'cinema'! Do yourself a favor and spend some money in some older&greater Euro B exploitation flick's in DVD, or in some American campy ones from 20/30 years ago, but leave this deconstructive crap alone! Avoid the massacre of what was once called adventurous filmmaking! There's nothing adventurous here, just desolation.

The Return of the Soldier (1982)

Probably Alan Bridges best film and one of the finest 1980's films ever: Please Rediscover this gem!

[10/10 · 28 April 2012]

This expensive, mainstream UK/US co-production,backed and distributed by 20th Century Fox, was at its Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival,shamelessly overlooked! They called it a well made,TV mini-series look-a-like, overly coated with thick layers of saccharine wanna be romantic drama. Since,after such poor reviews,despite the huge international Cast,and its enchanted settings, this wonderful,delicate,yet very poignant adaptation of one of Rebecca West's more controversial novels,ever, an extremely beautifully produced, extraordinarily acted moving,psychological period story,was cursed by bad Distributions worldwide, and I finally got to see it when i was about 15, in NYC in 1984, where, again, despite a fine launch,the movie was yet very quickly dismissed by main critics. I always loved Julie Christie and Glenda Jackson,and I remember almost forcing my mother to the Theater in one late spring,chilly rainy afternoon! I was expecting a true misfire and was just interested to see the Stars, whom, as we all know too well, have chosen way too many years ago, not to work very often (however Christie had huge and rightly raved come back's in the 1990's on stage or in great films like Universal's "Dragonheart",and as the lead Queen Gertrude in the stellar, big studio rendition of Kenneth Branagh's superb "Hamlet",followed by a Best Actress Oscar nominations and Best Actress Indy Spirit Awards Winner for her mesmerizing turn in Robert Altman's production of Alan Rudolph's "Afterglow" in 1998, and then has worked in very interesting films like Hal Hartley's also underrated "No such thing" in 2001,played Brad Pitt's mother in "Troy"(2004),was excellent in the wonderfully touching,Awards winning "Finding Neverland"(2005) and had a personal triumph, as Fiona,the still beautiful,Alzhaimer's disease affected lady who forgets her husband in Sarah Polley's outstanding Awards winner "Away from Her" in 2007,while she'll be just paired opposite Robert Redford's in the much awaited big budget political thriller "The Company you keep" due out next Awards Season! And forgive me for all this extra info on Christie, but It just excites me,that we are at least be able to see her, and forever haunting and gorgeous in very selected films, at least, while,Jackson has unfortunately left the scenes,apparently for good,in the late 1980's!). Well, once the tail credits of "The Return of the Soldier" were rolling, I noticed tears on my mother's eyes, and I was like electrified. While i can understand that today,still remaining a great solid film, has lost all that mystery and unique impeccable period reconstruction, and cinematography's merits, due to the almost overwhelming abundance of period romantic drama's that followed in the 1990's, and not just from Merchant-Ivory's, but also from many others, and not always so exceptional, as they were then reviewed, you have to understand that back then,i guess in early 1984, a so classic structured film,shot with such an innovative use, of flashbacks,haunting,dark and saturated cinematography,embracing some of the loveliest possible tones of a canvas,its unique editing and also formidable scoring, were not so common! I actually truly believe that the Cult that this film has developed (mostly in Europe) has certainly inspired all those numerous British/US co-productions that became instead so wildly popular in the 1990's and,again, not all of them, as good! Mother and I were stunned, by the film, its simple yet extremely moving twist at the end, a few very dramatic revelations, just staged with almost strict attention to measure, and,of course,besides the extremely sensitive,refined work from extremely focused director Alan Bridges (here at his very,very best,both with the sophisticated,yet deeply haunting narration,to the strong-back then- lovely and personal visual choices), we were delighted by the work of all the cast: a deeply penetrating performance from Jackson,a role that only Christie's natural Iconic talent could have made even sympathetic at the end, and certainly so gorgeous to look at, an extremely controlled,measured Alan Bates,here really offering almost a new face to his whole career, and the surprise of watching adorable, Ann-Margret, without make up and playing flawlessly, against type, the role of shy, sweet,if repressed and lonely, relative,kept in the wealth of her house by Kitty(Christie),almost more like a servant,or a useful house guest, than a real close and devoted relative. I can only say that,immediately back then, we sent many people,who were not truly convinced about going to a Theater to watch this excellent movie,always calling us back to thank us for the pitch or even so emotionally touched to want to come over over tea to discuss it! And throughout the years, I always heard incredible things about it,from almost anyone's with a certain sensibility for a superior,more eloquent and artistic type of filmmaking! And i can only still highly recommend it to most people: but please,just make sure to get a greater DVD widescreen copy, and not,another TV formatted, and brutally cut for commercials copy: this is a movie, rich of its own and unique fascinating atmosphere, and like a painting, should be appreciated at its best and most respectful vision, and not in some pan and scan TV version! Enjoy.

Abatjour 2 (1990)

Late sexy Giallo

[8/10 · 14 April 2012]

i am a great fan of Giallo's and of all Euro Genre or Exploitation films made between 1956 and 1996.A very different era for Italian Cinema! While, most countries had their masters and their good directors,in Italy and Spain (especially) there was a very strong international Market: Genre films. B films if you would,but most of them,are today regarded as Cult Classic's!Many of those movies were pure genius and invention, stylish,entertaining:were mostly made with low budgets and shot in 4/max 5 weeks!Yet they'd manage to sell all over the World,making Producers very rich,so that they could eventually afford to make much bigger 'quality' movies from some of those more well known,more expensive, demanding Auteurs. But quite suddenly,and sadly,Italian Cinema basically came to an abrupt end,becoming,within a few Years,an industry mostly financed by Televisions or political parties,producing only rather boring intellectualized dramas,cheesy comedies,or films clearly sought for TV, more than for theaters,since audiences started deserting the once instead extremely popular Euro co-productions,and their Genre's,deciding to go mainly to watch big American films. What a pity, especially, if we think that Italian Cinema was even here in the US,one of the biggest!But,while,especially Spain and France,were strong enough to keep their national filmmaking solid,also with the help of newer,always amazing directors,Italy is struggling to find its own identity!But,there are news,of signs of extremely recent and brave productions,trying to revive,what's been worldwide declared by most,like the greatest Cult Cinema,ever produced: a few of the living masters(Argento&Deodato)are right now shooting new films,while others,more artistic Horror,underground films are finally coming back,too,immediately getting quite some international exposure,right away! Two of the main titles,to be soon available,both star Domiziano Arcangeli(House of Flesh Mannequins and Wrath of the Crows)who was leading this late Giallo,too,which was instead made back then! Hopefully these new interesting and promising new movies are a sign of a re-birth! Going back to Abatjour 2: Must say that I enjoyed this,very much!A true guilty pleasure of decadence,crime, thrilling surprises,luxury all happening and quickly unfolding like candy,in a splendidly photographed Rome, rich of dark and saturated colors(Romano Albani,the director of photography was back then one of the most solid professionals!),also featuring a jazzy score by the famed Stelvio Cipriani that even adds more to this murder mystery! The plot is not new,and it feels extremely convoluted, but,for me,at least, it's truly fun,and,just because of those wild and bigger than life events,and, of that pulp film Noir material,I believe that is why "Abatjour 2" gets kudos: for not taking itself too seriously or in any case, never even pretending to make too much sense,at all, but, just wanting to entertain, indulging,on those 'classic' vivid and refined,sexy images(it is the usual feast of great odd angles,long dolly's on the entrances of all main characters,mirrors and black veils,a hint of S/M, an ancient golden knife stained of blood,young and pretty women too young to die,etc.)and,just simply delight the fans of this Genre:and believe me,even though,this is a bit trite or unexplainable,at times,there's a lot to wonder&to admire! From Arcangeli's enigmatic,sensual, whispering character,a very young noble man who's in love with both his sister and her fiancée, to a dark lady (lovely Virna Anderson) plotting against a rich rival family,just for the name and sake of her Higher status,a truly black Aristocratic, in disguise,trying to defend at every cost,her family's right to survive with the money,that belongs now,according to her,at least,without any right, to a clan of superficial 'nouveau riches',and ex gangsters, who seem to only worry about spending big and seducing one another's!The occasion for a 'vendetta' arouses, when,some of the most gorgeous women in town, are found dead:all of them,one by one,mysteriously,right after, having engaged, in a wild night of debauchery,in some sort of little private and velvety brothel, where sex and opiates of any kind, are the main ingredients of the party! Since, the Police begins to suspect on the man who always seems to be the one,who's been organizing such immoral orgies,and that would be -you figure!- the popular, Sebastian,a playboy who's just the handsome older son,of course,of the above mentioned,corrupted new money's family,which,on top of the cake, tries to cover up quite prudently all rumors,by even promising a great favor to the Police forces! This seems like,almost an even too easy and plausible excuse for the Countess,who immediately starts to plot against the hated rivals,while her desire of getting back the huge amount of money she believed was sordidly stolen from her mysteriously dead husband,appears now, more and more like a reality,if,of course, played with clever set up's! And,in fact, without any further useless wait,she draws at once,a harsh and delightfully bloody,sinful plan for a cruel revenge:it's useless to say that we'll have to expect the worst, from an Aristocrat,like this Dark Lady, since,it is now a matter to restore the fortune,the honor of her beloved Family, and,the Countess is now obviously not only determined, but ready and willing to fight by herself, without any fear,and,actually, maybe even enjoying a little,the use of certain special weapons,that, with some personal pleasure,she is going to use with savvy behavior and the proper lies,in order to regain what had been compromised, by a family whose main crime is to have put in jeopardy, and in 'ridicule',the notoriously -for so long- conquered and privileged existence,of the Countess and her dears!But, do not worry, i'm not gonna reveal whether the plan will work, or what ever else will happen in between,since i don't wanna spoil the quite clever(if already seen a few times) twist, at the end of this picture! I'm just saying that,if you're a fan of this impeccably refined,stylized, even morbid kind of B Cinema, I then just advise you to seat tight and enjoy the wild ride! There's just enough to make happy anyone,here!

The Occultist (2009)

A little formula movie saved by the presence of Domiziano Arcangeli!

[7/10 · 13 April 2012]

I happened to watch a screening of this film "The Ritual"(formerly known as: 'The Occultist'),at the last Berlin Film Festival, where it had its own international premiere. Let's start off with the main flaw, that,in fact, does not even allow us to talk or discuss too much,about this Title: "The Ritual" has its foundations anchored very tightly on a very formulaic premise: basically, it can be summarized by this clearly ironic question: "Will a-politically correct- diverse group of back-stabbers students,in some exclusive and costly US College, ever be able to save themselves from what they're dealing with,and most of all, will they be able to defeat a couple of evil,yet fascinating,professors,who are violating so unrealistically all the main rules of traditional lecturing,by talking openly of sorcery,and, of the cult of pure Evil,without ever considering -even merely- any of the dangerous consequences, until the very end? And,sorry,but, must point out -again- that you should buy all of the above, on the premise, that all this is supposedly happening somewhere in the peaceful,impeccable,and rather conservative atmosphere of an high end,woodsy College,in the middle of the stoic United States of America! Useless to tell about the extremely cliché events,unfolding, within the quickly forgettable,however -thankfully,at least- always rather thrilling, 90 minutes to follow! This movie is just what it is,and you may just even enjoy it,if you avoid thinking too hard, and most of all,trying to make sense of all the unnerving stretches of credibility: here's a typical Genre product, made for the international Markets, with all its obvious and predictable limits, but, also a few virtues, like the extremely seductive cinematography, and a few interesting sets, and gruesome scenes. The direction is not particularly great or inventive,but,at least,it always keeps the whole movie to a professional level. Domiziano Arcangeli is also always incredibly interesting to watch,even when playing in such trite and convoluted material,like this one: his performance is in fact, probably the only thing that rings completely true,managing to become the only haunting ingredient,in this whole production. The rest of the actors are rather uninteresting, with the exception of Derek Baker,who also fairs well,considering his extremely thinly layered role. "The Ritual" manages, at times, to be even mysterious, and offers, without doubts,lots of gore and repellent situations, but,quite honestly, it's way too bad than the authors of this Project,would have not even have considered to go more in depth with the situations,and to dare a little more: It would have been much more interesting to tell -for example- this story and its characters,all so 'eerily' related to evil,or/and to those who become progressively its worshipers, by simply adding more of a gripping kick,and 'that madness' necessary to turn the story into some more unsettling conclusions! While, the visual style (and especially,for most of the scenes,regarding the students and their personal relationships)should have simply been more unusual,way darker,and not as bland as it is,but,instead trying to cleverly seeking more ways to scare,or amuse or simply just to surprise,its audiences! But, "The Ritual",instead,clearly opts for the obvious and the secure. It's like a movie made on a formula: some old,and (wrongly considered) never failing recipe,so that,this movie, while,for sure, getting sold for a certain amount of money in certain Countries,it's basically presented as a typical 'factory' product, trying to avoid to test new waters,or even, to get merely close to something contemplating any creative risk, just limiting itself to use the Horror and Supernatural Genres,as its only basic selling points! I believe, that,if they had,instead, developed the characters with more coherence,and had searched for more extreme situations to, at least, bringing on the surface, a more thrilling,and, way more realistic sensation of what the natural trigger's effects and repercussions over the events,could have truly been, "The Ritual", might even have easily escaped,from the usual limitations,of certain straight to cable or DVD films, facing the challenge to become -perhaps- that more interesting and unique, type of independent Horror film,that,at the end, could have been also definitely more appealing to a much wider range of audiences. Unfortunately, the blindness,and lack of "bravado's" of certain producers and writers, is here way too persistent, than any other attempt, aiming to focus into a more creative filmmaking, allowing even a film like this, to its own right to twinkle, and to an actor,like Arcangeli, for example,to come through,more completely,with his own, still very sensitive, characterization: there's, in fact, not that much more left to do, even for such a real actor,who's getting no help,from a script,that does not even pretend to look any further,than some pulp fiction narrative,shamelessly going against all odds! So,despite Arcangeli's, penetrating eyes,and expressions, displayed almost too abruptly, by an editing, trying to cover up for dramatic holes and logical continuity,and, an almost feverish effort, aimed to make us understand, with an almost praiseworthy and professional acting,he's truly 'believing' all the events, they're putting him through,cannot make us buy all the 'drills' of this way too schematic, if,at times, again, colorful composition. This movie lives off of a a constantly present sense of deja vu' (SyFy Channel,anybody??) that may make for sales,but not for quality, and that is to say it, with a very kind euphemism!

The Pit and the Pendulum (2009)

What a disappointing sad exercise in truly bad &boring "wanna be Exploitation"!

[1/10 · 14 February 2012]

Oh my! I'd like to know: Who finances these terrible movies? Who Does? When there's plenty of great directors and writers,out there, that even on the 'so called' Exploitation genre(if this is even an attempt to make an Exploitation film,since I'm not sure anymore!) could pull off some -at least- more stylistic, more erotic,more fun "guilty pleasure" type of pictures! And,who does not love to watch a real 'guilty pleasure' movie,once in a while,or even more than once a week?? But... This is just a waste! An offensive way of spending money to create virtually just, non Cinema, to damage Genre flicks' reputation, and ultimately to undress a bit morbidly, a few young actors, with broken dreams, and little talent, who try very hard not to feel sick in front of the camera. Why making such movies? And I'm a fun of cult stuff, of Horror,even of well done(and real) erotica,like certain great classic euro films from the 1960's/1970's! But this is just a misfire with no direction,and a true insult to whomever tries hard to make it in the industry. Don't ever think about renting it,even if you were a voyeur, these days,believe me, there's some excellent porn for any taste, which i give more credit for,than this ineptitude, for at least, being blunt, and deliver the thrills of what some people may enjoy watching,thinking to find it maybe more 'tastelessly produced and presented' in such productions. But,again,there's nothing here, just plain nothing. A true realm of Boredom! Maybe try to discover,instead, some new artsy erotic horror,because there's really a lot better in the Indy scene today, but not from Rapid Hearts or Regent,apparently,since,after checking their other titles,this project,which even does have the guts to say "inspired by the subliminal Edgar Allan Poe's novel", appears to be one of the better Titles available, according to other reviewers! Oh,well.. if this non movie, is what they have best to offer, maybe they should consider approaching a different business,quickly. Or, fire immediately who is in charge of making this type of choices over plots, and most of all,over directors/writers! Why would you keep giving a decent low budget to such abominable filmmaking? It is criminal. What a disappointment! What a cold,sad perception of cultural decadence,and lack of any sense or sensibility, you'd get by watching this one: Despair, that's actually, maybe,the best definition, to nail, exactly,how i felt while watching this,and even until its end,since i just wanted to be fair,and write what i was feeling with a clear mind,about these movies,that get made surprisingly so often,too often, and always, more and more awfully descending to a place of degradation. Please, Stop! And,people at Here or Logo Cable TV(showing often similar stuff): Please try to encourage movies, that do not make people feel ashamed of being gay, or of watching genre movies with a gay theme! The moral disservice and damage,done to their community, is huge, by showing, or even just endorsing such products! Sorry, i truly don't enjoy writing so badly about a film, I'd just like to see if they'd give a chance to much better stuff out there,so present at Festivals, or other events, that,sadly, does not even barely seen, by wider audiences.

Il fantasma di Sodoma (1988 Video)

Fulci's re-visitation of Brass Salon Kitty,with its usual great visual style,but a weak script!

[9/10 · 30 January 2012]

I found some of the reviews left by some other readers excessively negative! Especially if they think the ludicrous "Touch of Death" is better than this one! I agree on a few things: you can certainly see that Fulci's health was sadly deteriorating,especially,by feeling like he hadn't re-wrote parts,or,improve certain implausible situations on set(like he often used to do!) from a script that needed a solid re-work. Some lines, or twists(which are still impressive anyways) of the plots are very contrived, and do not help, especially, in such an ambitious project! In fact i believe real critics' reviews are way more accurate and benign,and not certainly as a form of respect for the Maestro, but,because they clearly seen all to see/understand,the way more complex nature of this movie,and,consequently the way more difficult and specific sense of the execution needed by such material, again,way more brutally haunting and -seriously- demanding,than some of other usual and more formulaic horrors like Aenigma,Zombi 3, or even, of the quite overrated,"Manhattan Baby"! I always thought that the visual style of this film, was always so superior to many other's, and very,very stylish. I know that many may argue that a film is not just mere style and aesthetic's,like brilliant cinematography or very goth and creepy sets, but,i was stunned by,how much Fulci could still achieve with a smaller budget,just by using unique and inventive camera angles,creating horrific SFX's,but even more so,true atmospheres with such a dense,if exploitative, sense of erotic decadence and darkness! It's so obvious to me,How most other directors(Americans,or Italians,too!),having to work with similar string budgets and limitations,would have never been even able to imitate his professionalism by far,or most likely,would have not been able to bring to completion,a real motion picture with all these demands,period! The use of primarily dark blue's and dark red's tones, with gold and purple colors,matching vividly, by being opposed to the black or Noir,"hard boiled" scenario, were incredibly beautiful and artistic,while the use of a Morricone's inspired theme,bringing that 'classic descent to Hell' tone, with some period's influences,were helping greatly to create a tension,just where the script could have not. And,if there are for sure some back holes in story telling, the artistry behind this film, always saves the form and the interest. And so does the cast,in a way. Even though,a few of them,especially some 'of those then famous soft core starlets' just cannot transfer on screen something more convincing (like,let's just say,all the cast in something like Brass' masterpiece "Salon Kitty",1976-a film,that obviously Fulci must have admired very much!-instead could deliver with striking realism, and greater, morbid expressionism) there are here,still, a few great choices,like the handsome leads Aliotti and Sebastian Harrison, or,especially, the wildly ambiguous antagonists,all cult stars,like Domiziano Arcangeli,Zora Kerowa,Al Cliver and Robert Egon,envisioned here,and very cleverly,like a bunch of 'fallen angels',so pale and blond,to look very effectively,like vampires or creatures of the Devil,to better -symbolically- incarnate the tragic decadence of historical and very serious facts,that truly happened.. called Nazism and Holocaust! So,for many different reasons, I found this movie, very interesting to watch,and even with its flaws, a still superior exercise of style, from the always sensational Maestro's Fulci.