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clayzar
Reviews
Parole Violators (1994)
This film actually made it to DVD?
I try to find something good about every film that I watch but I was unable to find any redeeming factor even remotely associated with this wack job of a movie. Parole Violators seemed like a good buy at the dollar store but the truth is that it will rob 90 minutes of your life that you will never get back. The bottom line is poor acting along with poor script..... makes for a very painful viewing experience. The cast and crew do deserve an award for making one of the worst films of modern times. This is one of those films that probably makes perfect sense after chugging 9 or more beers. Do yourself a favor and avoid this one even if someone is trying to pay you to watch it. I'm normally an upbeat person but this film is a total wally.
7 Lucky Ninja Kids (1989)
more great stuff from the 80's
This is a fun family film to watch. I see a lot of people slamming it on the net but you need to take it for what it is.......a fun 80's kungfu film with kids. The fight scenes are well choreographed and the acting is well above par for this sort of film. The story is a tad weak but that was okay because I wasn't expecting it to be the caliber of Gone With The Wind. Each kid has a unique fighting specialty and I was very surprised at the level of skill they displayed during the fights. The film was obviously shot in China but its nicely dubbed to English for an easy watch. The music has a strong 80's vibe that gives the film a somewhat campy presence but that is a good quality when you consider the era. I consider 7 Lucky Ninja Kids a winner.
Red Surf (1989)
Red Surf
I remember the day I first stumbled upon Red Surf in a pawn shop bargain bin. It looked like a modern day George Clooney film so I decided to give it a shot but surprisingly, it turned out to be some of his very early work. To me, this was a very pleasant surprise indeed. Red Surf has a very cool 70's drive-in movie feel to it and this can be a refreshing change of pace from the mainstream. Okay, Lets get down to the content of this film..........George Clooney and his friends are jet ski drug runners for a kingpin (Gene Simmons no doubt). DeDe Phifer plays his girlfriend and wants him to settle down in order to have a family. The party scenes are hardcore and the rival gang violence is over the top as well so if that kind of stuff turns you off then you may want to head for the Disney section instead. The plot moves at a moderate pace and the acting is well above par for this type of film. I like it mainly because it has a very realistic feel to it and reminds me a lot of the late 70's/early 80's (if you like nostalgia...... this film is oozing with it). Availability is good and its not very expensive so pick up a copy next time you see one and come back to post your thoughts. Its my favorite Clooney film and definitely a mainstay in my collection because the story holds up well for repeat viewings. Clay
The Wild Ride (1960)
"The Wild Ride" vs "Velocity"
The Wild Ride is the original (B&W) non-modified version. I have watched it several times and believe it is one of the best cult classics available. "Velocity" however, is a butchered color version that splices in new scenes lacking in any sort of continuity and ultimately destroying the mystique and integrity of the original film. Whoever had the idea for Velocity needs to be shot in the head because they turned a truly beautiful virgin classic film into a cheap prostitute with too much makeup. This is a true testament to the "less is more" adage. If you get to view both films you will see the ultimate travesty of how a great film was destroyed by a greed driven marketing attempt to update a true cult classic. In summary.... "The Wild Ride" GOOD............."Velocity" BAAADDDD!
Eraserhead (1977)
A strange film
I felt somewhat disengaged with Eraserhead compared to the other Lynch Films I have seen but I do plan to view it a few more times to try and get it. I am a Lynch fan and I have viewed most of his films, but in a weird order.
1)Wild at Heart
2)Lost Highway
3)Fire Walk With Me
4)Twin Peaks (the movie)
5)Blue Velvet
6)Mulholland Drive
7)Dune
8)Eraserhead
"Fire Walk with Me" and "Mulholland Drive" are equally my favorites but I still want to understand or at least learn to appreciate the significance of the Eraserhead film.