1971
Life changing. We are all a bit of Harold, and we all want to be Maude, said the director. After I watched it, I never looked at life the same way again. It's been a blur of Cat Stevens at home now. I highly, highly recommend. That being said, take a look at the potential trigger warnings before you get into it.
1981
Well, shout out to my local library for requesting this for me. It's my least favorite of the series, but I did watch them backwards... I can so see how Bruce’s character progresses from a timid puritan refusing to acknowledge death to dramatically stating, “All hail the king, baby” by the third. Part of me will regret not witnessing the transformation right-way round. And the other is just glad to have seen the series at all.
1987
I watched this Evil Dead sequel having not watched the first film, but having just watched the third. As someone going backwards, I’m sure my opinion is not as aligned with traditionalists. This film was more serious than the third, with one foot in horror and one in campy comedy without pretense. A fun performance as always by Bruce Campbell. A hugely lovable series.
1992
A farce. Full of the oddest things imaginable — imagine a hand that was just cut off, but which now has a chainsaw that can attach and re-attach so easily, that a nona drops one down a well-like structure and it still clips on to the hand-less wrist. But the actors are spirited and bring a charm to the film that’s hard not to love.
Campy and stupid, this is a fun horror film.
1981
So, so, so odd. The 80s sexism is definitely strong, here, as women serve only as sex symbols and dames. The animation, though, is extremely different from most I’ve seen in my time. The range, diversity and freedom of expression left me inspired and reflective of the genre throughout time. I understand why this film could amass a following, and I’m not against it. I probably wouldn’t suggest it though.
1989
My, my, my.
The eerie and unsettling cinematography and soundtrack produced a strong but quiet suspicion of all characters surrounding little Michael. The strong breaking of the family unit with literal cannibals is a bit avant garde, and I understand why viewers may watch against their best wishes. However, the lack of comedy in a film marketed as a horror comedy meant that I further questioned the meaning of the movie, ultimately taking myself out of a well-produced suspenseful psychological thriller.
1938
Insane and also boring, which I do not know how one would do that. The dancing was WILD - if people danced like that then I do not know how we ever recovered from that as a nation.
2001
One of the most deliciously fun criticisms of pop culture and capitalism that I’ve seen in a while. Performances that highlight the actor’s comedic range and complement each other well. Music is so catchy. It’s camp. It’s friendship. It’s hilarious. It’s Josie and the Pussycats.
1977
An American newcomer to a prestigious German ballet academy comes to realize that the school is a front for something sinister amid a series of grisly murders.
Imaginative, artful and psychotic filmography. It feels like a dream you had, but can’t forget.
Story line: 2-3 stars
Art: 4 stars