If I have to pick one movie that rocked my childhood it’s Night of the Comet. Love me some Night of the Comet. Anyone who’s had HBO in the 80’s knows that they played the same handful of movies over and over everyday. Beastmaster, Swamp Thing, Tex, Cloak and Dagger, Clash of the Titans, etc. Night of the Comet was one of those movies. I think Night of the Comet is more relevant today than it was in the 80’s. Smothered in darker, more realistic post apocalyptic modern films (trying watching The Road), Night of the Comet has more of a “what would you do if it was the end of the world?” fun approach. “Oh you know, hang out at a radio station, shopping spree at the mall, shoot up a car, drunk drive, the little things.”
Kelli Maroney, Catherine Mary Stewart make an amazing duo, and are believable as hell as sisters. Both these actresses will appear in my “Real Stars of Hollywood” segment. Already seeing Kelli in Fast Times, Chopping Mall, and Slayground. Already seeing Catherine in Nighthawks, Apple, and Last Starfighter they were already familiar faces. Comet is a good time colorful, partytime movie. It’s got plenty of funny moments, but also has some good jumps.
This movie does not get nearly enough credit for it’s make up effects. David Miller (Nightmare On Elm Street) really delivers. Everything from the alley zombie, to the cop, to the warehouse employees. Wait…are they zombies? Technically they’re not dead. Fuck…I don’t want to get into that topic. Kelli and Catherine are naturalistic as hell in they’re performance, that I sit back and wonder why they’re not more popular today? Have you seen today’s A list stars? Give me a fucking break. Bringing flawless performances by Robert Beltran, Mary Woronov, Geoffrey Lewis and Michael Bowen really balance and make the movie full.
Even the soundtrack kicks ass. I find myself listening to it a lot more today. Probably for nostalgia. Funny thing about these 80’s horror soundtracks is that the songs weren’t hits. You never heard them on the radio, you never saw them on Mtv. But these were my favorite soundtracks. Comet, the Wraith, both Return of the Living Deads, Shocker…I owned all these soundtracks and played the shit out of them.
For all you new Horror fans…essentially Zombieland is Night of the Comet. Watch them both back to back, and you’ll get what I’m saying.
As usual…Scream Factory delivers. You can tell Scream Factory is run by fans, not corporate blood suckers. The interviews are fun to watch. I much prefer seeing the cast talk about the movie today, as oppose to original footage. Audio commentary with Kelli and Catherine is my goto audio track. They just had so much fun looking back on this movie, and they reveal some great stories ex. The guns weren’t suppose to stick when they shot the car, so they improvised.
This movie gets played a lot in my home (especially in the Summer), and is usually the movie I show friends, when they want to see something they don’t know. This movie was a big deal in my childhood. I watched it so much on HBO that it pissed my mother off.
This is a highlight blu-ray in my 678 blu-ray collection. Thanks Kelli and Catherine.
A true legend. By far my favorite film maker of all time. At least once a month I have to have a Carpenter marathon. Whether it’s a Horror marathon, or an Action marathon, I have to get my Carpenter fix. Master of the DIY philosophy, John rocks many hats, and surrounds himself with a loyal crew creating insanely unique films as well as paying hommage to classics he grew up watching. Impossible for me to look back on my childhood and not think about the films I grew up watching. John’s films play a major role in my childhood.
ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 was my introduction to Carpenter. It’s uncommon that I start with the first films they did, but in this case that was our first handshake. This was around the time HBO was new. For all you old school cats, remember when you use to get the HBO guide in the mail? Had the list of all the movies they were showing that month, with cool pics of the highlighted ones. Well…Assault was one of the highlighted ones. As a kid I wasn’t into the beginning slow pace of the film (which now are my favorite types of films). Once Frank Doubleday shoots poor little pigtail Kim Richards, my mouth dropped and I was in. From then on it was non stop, and til this day is in my top 10 favorite films of all time.
I will get to Halloween later. Honestly, I hadn’t seen the original until I was almost in High School. Growing up in the 80’s, I caught all the sequels before I even saw the original.
THE FOG was the next one I caught. Again, brought to me by HBO. My intro to this film were clips shown on a documentary called Terror in the Aisles. Not really big on supernatural films (and still aren’t), I fell in love with this film. The way it was filmed, the locations, and of course the score. John could do a movie about a guy sitting in a chair for 2 hours. But his score would still creep me out. This was also the first music score soundtrack I ever bought. I listened to it so much my mother was beginning to worry. Hehe.
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK: By this time I was a Carpenter fan. Just watched it again yesterday and it never loses it’s edge. I always called Carpenter the Led Zeppelin of movies. You never knew what the next movie was gonna be like. But you know it will be your new favorite movie. A lot darker than it’s credited for. If a remake is ever made today, I’m sure the new cynical movie style today would just make this a depressing experience. Carpenter is the master of taking a grim story in a grim environment and making it into an adrenaline roller coaster ride. He makes it fun to watch.
THE THING: Being too young to see it in theaters, I was completely captivated by the poster. The poster told me that this was gonna be the scariest movie that year. When I was a kid, I had an incredible imagination. If I hadn’t seen the movie yet, I would go out into the front yard with toy guns and create my own movie based off the poster. Of course, when I finally saw the film I was way off. Even today, this movie blows me away, and appears to have a second life with the retro crowd. Just recently saw it at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento, Ca I’m still shocked this movie didn’t do as well as it should’ve. But then again, in 1982 E.T. was released, and was pretty much the THRILLER of movies, destroying the competition.
CHRISTINE: I’m a huge fan of Stephen King. It’s rare that a director can adapt a Stephen King novel and make it they’re own. Along with Carpenter, Cronenberg, De Palma, and Kubrick are the only ones that have managed to pull it off. Christine is an under rated film. It’s not just about a killer car (which sounds cheesy as hell), but the real story is about a mentally isolated teen rebelling against everyone that’s trying to keep him down. The only support and love he feels is with his car. Carpenter rocked this, and I consider it to be a true classic.
STARMAN: I love Starman. Not his most popular film, I consider this a way more human story than his previous films. Already having the same opinions about people that the movie displays, I could relate to it, and still watch this movie when I want to mix it up.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: The first Carpenter film I saw in theaters. What’s not to love about this film. Many Carpenter films usually have some sort of social commentary mixed with it without being preachy. This was just a balls to the walls good time. Throwing everything at us and the kitchen sink. Watch this once a month, I still crack up over the same lines, and still get excited over the same scenes I did when I was a kid. Unlike Hollywood today, John makes movies fun. Period.
THEY LIVE: Saw this in theaters as well. This was my favorite film that year, and is still one of my favorites. At that time, I was a huge wrestling fan, and was excited to see Roddy Piper in this. Something you don’t see in movies these days is the build up. Taking the time to develop the main characters, and allowing us into their world before the shit hits the fan. John does this in every movie incredibly well. This was a true statement on the 80’s culture and how shallow and blind we’ve all become. That something worth doing is worth overdoing. Sometimes a youngster will ask me what the 80’s were like. I always tell them to watch THEY LIVE. That pretty much sums it up.
HALLOWEEN: I grew up on the sequels. I hated the sequels. As a result, I was completely turned off by watching the original. Based off the weak franchise, I didn’t get the Halloween appeal. Finally, around 89 I decided to watch it. It made me angry. The sequels completely destroyed a masterpiece. I held out for so long because the sequels were so weak. This was the first to teach me that less is more. Up to this point, I saw a lot of blood and guts films. John showed me that the right villain just following teenagers around can be 20 times more scary, if done right. And of course, the score. Not to devalue the film itself, but the score is about 70% of the film. Without the score, I’m sure the movie wouldn’t have worked. As much as I love this film, I can only watch it once a year. Halloween night of course.
PRINCE OF DARKNESS: Another HBO experience. This movie doesn’t get nearly enough credit. Being a metal head, I was already hooked knowing Alice Cooper was in it. Dude..he impales a guy with a bike. What more do you need? It took a few viewings for me to really understand the film. Now it gets monthly rotations in my home (be sure to pick up the Scream Factory blu-ray. Great extras).
IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS: No bullshit. This is a horror masterpiece. A true horror film. Shows images you can’t unsee. Not unlike Jacob’s Ladder, it takes the concept of reality, and fucks it up to the point where it can make a well rounded person insane. By far, one of John’s best films. I was working at Tower Records at the time, and scored the screener (a promotional copy before VHS release). Even with the obnoxious writing across the screen, it still scared the shit out of me. I had room mates walk by the TV in passing, and got scared off this. That’s the best compliment I can give.
GHOSTS OF MARS: Not my favorite film. Took a little while to grow on me. The acting just didn’t impress me. All the actors talked the same, and acted the same. Noone stuck out, and none of the characters had any individual qualities. After a few viewings, GHOSTS has become more fun to watch, and I just rock it Thrill ride style now.
VAMPIRES: Not a huge vampire fan. After NEAR DARK I believed noone could top that. I guess if anyone could change it up, it would be Carpenter. Love this movie. Kind of like the western of vampire films. Great casting, great story, and one hell of a thrill ride. Next to Near Dark, this is my favorite vampire film.
My attraction and obsession to John’s films is that they’re honest. He’s not trying to keep up with trends. He’s telling the stories he wants to tell. No matter what’s going on in movies at that time, he’ll throw something out there and it always sticks out. So I’m sure the question is: why did you write about him when this is dedicated to the talent that doesn’t get enough credit? Because he doesn’t get enough credit. To Horror fans, he’s fucking Steven Spielberg. To the common movie goer, he’s a stranger. I work around a lot of youngsters, and most of them don’t know who he is. But they’ve heard of his movies. Hopefully time will tell. He needs to be included with Hitchcock, Hawks, Coppola, Scorsese, etc. He’s that important to movies. Without him, the 80’s would’ve been way different, and I doubt I would love movies the way I love them today. He also gives the best interviews. Check out: Nightmares in Red, White and Blue, Going to Pieces, Director’s Chair (with Robert Rodriguez). He’s incredibly humble, and has lot to say about the country, society and the human race. Shows us that his movies are a lot deeper than he gets credited for.
Can’t thank you enough John. Without you, I wouldn’t be the fan I am today.
I wave my 80’s flag proud. You’re going to see me defend such classics as Blood Sport, Footloose, Purple Rain, Roadhouse, Last Dragon, etc. To me…they’re no guilty pleasures, they’re classics. It’s no argument that Van-Damme was one of the most popular Action stars in the 80’s.
Before I get into the review, maybe I should explain the 80’s Action star. Technically starting with 1981 “Conan the Barbarian,” 80’s Action stars were shirtless, muscle bound freaks of nature that were either seeking revenge or wiping out an entire community. Even though Stallone got the ball rolling with “Rocky” this was more a Drama then an Action film. Of course, following up with “Nighthawks,” as great as this movie was it still didn’t get the ball rolling. 1982 “First Blood” set the template for the next decade of Action films. It’s when Chuck Norris released 1984 “Missing in Action” when Martial Arts made a major come back in the Action film. This paved the way for Steven Seagal and Van Damme.
Even though Van Damme wore a 1 piece doing his 80’s dance in “Breakin” (see link below), I first noticed him in the God awful “No Retreat, No Surrender.” Noone in that movie could act for shit, but Van Damme stuck out as the villain. He had the moves, and the right look. I knew I was gonna see more of this cat. Then of course 1987 “Bloodsport” came out. Loved it. Acting still sucked, but the fight scenes were jawdropping, and still holds up today. By 1989, everyone knew Van Damme, and “Cyborg” was released.
I remember seeing this in theaters. Expecting a by the book Van Damme film (being that Kickboxer was another Bloodsport), I was blown away at how dark this movie was. What made me love 80’s action films, is that apparently everyone knows karate. Everyone is a trained fighter. “Cyborg” was no exception. The end of the world concept wasn’t original but managed to show me a Cannon Film perspective on the world. So far, I’m not being very convincing on why this is the movie pick of the week.
It’s an overlooked film. This movie shouldn’t be lumped in with the other Van Damme films. It has its own identity. It’s brutally violent, the villains are absolutely rabid monsters, the score sets the mood, and actually carries the movie in a lot of ways. Van Damme started to get a little more comfortable on screen, and his acting started improving.
But the main reason why movies like this hold up is the Action. The fight scenes are exciting, and still fun to watch. He’s a merciless good guy. He fights like a villain. Fights to kill. Of course, the protagonist is only as good as his antagonist. Vendor played by Vincent Klyn (who also played in Point Break), was absolutely bone-chilling. Supported by his barbaric crew, they do everything possible to keep the dark world they hold so dear.
It’s what I call a lost gem. For younger fans that love the “Expendables” films, I highly recommend this. I own 678 blu-rays, and I find myself going back to this one at least once a month. As much as I enjoy a thought provoking deep art film, sometimes a guy like me just has to have a barebones, meat and potatoes film.
“Macaroni and cheese…I love macaroni and cheese. I was raised on macaroni and cheese. Hey…nothing gets in between me and macaroni and cheese.” Part 3
Alright. First off for all you purists, Daniel is a good kid with a lot of flaws.
But let’s face it, he’s got a big mouth, and he doesn’t know when to quit. Mr. Miyagi had his work cut out for him. I’m gonna have some fucking fun and break this shit down movie by movie. I love all 3 movies, but it really was like Daniel had his memory erased at the beginning of every movie and Miyagi had to start from scratch.
THE KARATE KID
Ok…let’s get into it. You would think I would start with the beach party, but let’s start with him moving in to his apt. and kicking the fence door open.
Freddy- Hey, what was that, Karate?
Daniel- Oh yeah.
He already fucked up. By the way, does anyone else notice that Freddy’s shirt has a pic of 2 pigs fucking and it says “Makin’ Bacon?” So now at some point he’s gonna have to fucking prove those awesome karate skills.
Now onto the beach. Dude…Ally was hot. But come on, Daniels only been in town for 24 hours, and knew her for 5 minutes. 2 Exes fighting. Looks like baggage to me. Time to move on. In 30 seconds Johnny already proved he can kick his ass…well. But scrawney little Daniel had to show Freddy and the gang that he’s a kung fu master. Throws his little punch and holds out his hand to shake (why do good guys always do that shit?) Johnny is now obligated to put his ass down. Daniel doesn’t even know any of these guys. He imposes on a world he knows nothing about. Butt out kid.
I’m gonna skip getting tossed down the hill thrown off his bike. That was pretty fucked up. But that should’ve told Daniel, that these guys don’t care if they kill him. Let’s go to the Halloween dance. Daniel coulda just chilled with Ally and had a good time. But no…He has to feel like a man. Come on…he poured a water hose on Johnny in the shitter while he was rolling a joint. That’s fucked up. Daniel pretty much set himself up for the ultimate beating. If Miyagi didn’t step in, they would’ve killed him.
Ok…the challenge has been set, and Daniel is in training. First off he’s whining like a little bitch when Miyagi puts him to work. Even if Miyagi welched on the deal, Daniel would’ve at least been in great shape, and maybe would’ve had a fighting chance. In addition to that, knowing that Kobra Kai is not allowed to touch him, he eggs them on and tests those waters, pissing them off more. Come on Daniel…You’re gonna have to step in the ring with them. It’s like pissing off a bull, then someone says “ok get in the ring with the bull.”
I’ll give him cred on this. During the tournament he kept his mouth shut, and did his thing. But by then…it’s too late. He’s done so much damage pissing off Johnny and the gang that these cats are all fired up. By the way, Johnny wasn’t the scariest to me. Dutch scared me more. Dutch wanted to kill Daniel, and didn’t give a fuck. Something told me Dutch was a better fighter than Johnny. By the end of the movie, Daniel learned a lot from Miyagi, and becomes a better person…or so we thought.
THE KARATE KID PART II
I’m gonna make this a little more brief. Right in the beginning, his awesome car is totaled and he’s been dumped by Ally. The only thing they had in common was they both hated Johnny anyway. All that shit he went through in the first movie was for nothing. Now, they’re both in Okinawa. Sato’s nephew right out of the gate makes it clear he doesn’t like Daniel. Daniel insults his honor. The nephew threatens to kill him. KILL. What does Daniel say? “I got to go talk to him.” Come on dude. Just mind your own business.
Then later he takes his girl to a bar. She clearly warns him it’s a bad place. Oh before that, he has to stand in the window and watch his enemy train. Just like he did with Johnny in the first one. Back to the bar. As he watches these guys try to break the blocks of ice, he’s talking shit. Telling his girl what they’re doing wrong. Naturally, he’s gonna piss someone off. If Miyagi wasn’t there to talk him through it, he woulda blew it.
All that asian culture he absorbed, and all the new lessons he learned, you would think he would go into the 3rd movie graduating from student to teacher. Nope.
THE KARATE KID PART III
Here we go again. Beginning of the movie, and again he lost his girl. Damn dude…Aren’t you seeing the pattern? Apparently he’s forgotten all the life lessons Miyagi has taught him. For some reason, Daniel was running around the whole movie like he was on crack. Hyper as hell, and wouldn’t stop for 2 seconds to breathe. You know…the shit that Miyagi already taught his ass 2 movies ago. So…the writer of the 3rd movie said “fuck giving him a girlfriend. That’s clearly not working out. Let’s just make them friends.” Right out of the gate, he wants to fight in the tournament. He already knows Miyagi’s thoughts on that, and if he woulda paid attention woulda learned that Miyagi’s right.
If he would’ve told Miyagi about Mike Barnes, I’m sure he would’ve had his buddies back. Instead he goes to Terry Silva, who’s teaching him the complete opposite of what Miyagi taught him. That should’ve been a red flag there. But Daniel goes along with it, resulting in him breaking some dudes nose at a shitty club (by the way was Val Kilmers lab partner in Real Genius.)
The movie ends with Daniel winning of course. But because of the previous movies we as an audience can’t take comfort in thinking Daniel finally gets it. We know Miyagi is gonna have to start all over again. Which is why he said “fuck it. Maybe I’ll have better luck with Hilary Swank.”
That was fun…it’s an under rated trilogy. Ralph Macchio does an amazing job playing a complexed kid, that really is torn between Miyagi’s teaching and fighting that teenage rebellious angst we’ve all had. Which is why I’m sure Miyagi was always so patient and caring. I’m sure he done that dance at Daniel’s age. Truth be told, it was quite possible that Daniel would’ve ended up like Johnny and the gang if he had the wrong teacher. Full of violence and angst, and looking to bully. So in the end…with all his flaws and failed relationships, he became a better person with a loyal friend.
The summer of 1988 was a fucking trip. What should’ve been a miserable experience, somehow I made it a memorable one. Let’s see I was about 13, and had to spend a chunk of my summer vacation in summer school. No…it was nothing like the 80’s Mark Harmon movie. The one tolerable thing about that was class ended at noon. So at least I had a good amount of time to enjoy the day. Summer time on Colt Drive in Stockton, Ca (I know…it looks like a bomb hit it. Hasn’t changed much). wasn’t exactly a day on the beach. A quaint little violent neighborhood, full of gangs and children getting abused behind closed doors.
As I mentioned in a previous entry, I spent every weekend that summer at the theaters watching Cocktail, and Nightmare on Elm Street 4. Week days I was a little more creative, and a little more ambitious. The movie Colors was released that April, and gang life became Hollywood. That allowed existing gangs to be more upfront and less hidden. Completely missing the point of the movie, younger kids saw the appeal, and looked at our neighborhood criminals as celebrities, and someone to admire. Not buying into the bullshit, I continued to drown myself with my obsession for movies and music. With the weekday afternoons free, and finding myself more disconnected with my childhood friends, I started my own little movie theater in my garage.
Not really giving a shit where my mother spent her afternoons, I would move my TV and stereo out into the garage. Between the stereo sound and the acoustics only a garage could provide, I had put together a pretty solid amateur theater. Plastering posters all over the walls, and the now showing movie in the garage window, neighborhood kids flocked to check it out. Being that I lived in that neighborhood since I was about 5, I had a pretty gnarley rep of knowing my shit when it came to movies and metal.
First movie I showed was Friday the 13th part VI: Jason Lives. It was a huge hit, and I continued to show it everyday for about a month. This was also the summer cable paperview became a big deal. Being able to order the latest movies through cable and being able to record them. Nothing today, but in 88 it was a huge deal. 2nd movie I showed was The Running Man. Another hit. Released in 87, but became available on paperview in 88. Eventually it became a double feature with Return of the Living Dead 2.
It was a humble little theater. But just like today, I really enjoyed turning others on to movies they probably would’ve never discovered on they’re own. Monday through Friday I never took the day off. Showed movies non stop until I had to go back to school. The last movie I showed was Waxwork. Not as big of a hit. But still went over well. The summer ended the way it began. The audience demanded the return of Jason Lives. So Jason Lives is what I gave them.
After that summer I retired the movie theater. 1989, the gangs were growing and I was losing a lot of my friends to that life style. Drugs were also playing a huge role, and some of the kids I grew up with would numb themselves so they can deal with the nightmare that was their home. I continued to live the way I live today. Chilling in my movie/music world, living in theaters and record stores. It was no secret that the summer of 89 was the summer of Batman. An insanely huge movie. I mean shit, people were getting the bat logo as a hair cut.
For you movie collectors, it was also the first time a movie was released on VHS retail shortly after it’s theatrical run. Before that we had to wait over a year to even buy a movie at a decent price. Shit…E.T. wasn’t even released retail until 1988. So in the winter of 1989, I thought I would bring my theater out of retirement for the premiere of Batman. I assumed that would have the same results as the other movies. A few neighborhood kids, some popcorn and a good time.
Having no clue about what’s going on outside my home, my mother comes home from (wherever the fuck she was), and immediately rips me a new asshole. Not understanding a fucking word she’s saying, I ask her to explain. She opens the living room curtain. Theres a line of people wrapped around my home. Apparently the whole neighborhood wants to see Batman. Excited about the turn out, and ready to rock n roll, my mother steps in and does what all parents would’ve done. She shut that shit down.
Pretty pissed, a little embarrassed. But also realized something. No matter what goes on in a bad neighborhood. Drugs, gangs, violence, it’s still possible to bring a community together to experience something positive. That movies will always have the power to forget the world outside your door and escape for a couple of hours.
Where do I begin? The Horror community is incredibly lucky and grateful to have an actor with so much talent embrace the genre the way Tony has. He brings so much poetry and theatric grace to the genre. The first movie I remember seeing Tony in was “Platoon.” Though he didn’t have much screen time or many lines, he has a commanding presence that forces you to take notice. To remember “Platoon” you have to remember that it was a collection of talented up and comers with small roles, creating a dark reality.
The next movie I saw him in hit much closer to home. Again it was a small role. Playing a fed up veteran in a community meeting in the no holds barred gang film “Colors,” he lashes out at the gang counselor. The voice of the hard workers forced to live like victims. As a kid growing up in those neighborhoods, I felt his frustration, and his blinding rage.
Most people I talk to think “Candyman” was his introduction to Horror, but it was the under rated 1990 Tom Savini remake of “Night of the Living Dead” that made real Horror fans a Tony Todd fan. Duane Jones performance in the original was a tough act to follow. Tony made it his own, and unlike most remake performances, didn’t come off as a carbon copy of the original.
Now on to “Candyman.” His definitive role. The role that most likely provided him the future roles he richly deserves. Around the time when Freddy’s wise cracks were played out, and the silent killer had lost it’s edge, Tony brought a poetic darkness to a fresh new Horror “villain” that only he could play. I say villain with little doubt. Honestly, I don’t consider Candyman a villain. A character with a heart wrenching tragic death, that accepts his role as the boogeyman and seeks out his true love. It’s this role that Tony will be
remembered for like Robert Englund and Freddy. Not a bad thing. Not at all.
The next movie that his performance impacted me was “The Crow.” He could’ve easily played the lead villain (Not that Michael Wincott didn’t kill it). What I loved about his performance, was no matter how crazy it got he never lost his cool. Always took the situation at face value, and handled it.
The reason why I combine “Wishmaster, Final Destination, and Hatchet” is because is screen time in these films were short, but dominating. He was the explanation. He was the one that told you you were doomed. If he tells you, you’d better listen.
His cameo on season 2 of “Holliston” had me in stitches. It was refreshing to see him bring the comedy. To play off his imposing reputation, and have fun with it. The last movie I saw him in that I feel deserves way more credit was “Sushi Girl.” That was his movie. He owned it. He was the Lawrence Tierney (Reservoir Dogs) and Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas) of the movie. He was calling the shots, and everyone including the camera did what they were told.
There’s a lot of actors with less talent that snub they’re nose at their Horror roots. I always thought that was incredibly conceited. It’s refreshing and amazing to a movie fanatic, when a theatrically trained, insanely talented actor embraces the genre like family, and doesn’t turn his back on it. I hate the terms “A list stars.” It absolutely disgusts me. Tony Todd is just as talented as Denzel, George, Brat, Leonardo, Johnny, etc. He could easily turn to blockbusters, and all these forgettable Hollywood hits. The Horror community should thank him for bringing his art to our genre, and leaving behind a body of work that will be in my library til the day I die. Thank you Tony for all the great body of work you’ve given us. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Witchboard (released in 1987) is a trip. It really was the kind of Horror film that really was rather ignored. The 80’s was more about franchises and spectacles. But there were these hidden gems, that you were aware of, but never saw. Movies like 976-Evil, The Stuff, The Gate, Night of the Demons, Kindred, Mausoleum, Honeymoon, Hello Mary Lou etc. were
really hiding behind the Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Halloween series. The way I found out about Witchboard was simple. I lived in the mom and pop video stores. Not the Blockbusters, or Hollywood Videos. But these rather independantly owned video stores, that really had no idea which movies were popular, and which weren’t.
Video companies would send these stores posters for they’re movies. These stores would wallpaper they’re walls with these posters, which were mostly unknown Horror films. Witchboard was one of those movies.
Directed by Kevin Tenney (Night of the Demons), and starring Tawny Kitain (right before her infamous appearance in the Whitesnake video), Todd Allen (Mask) and Stephen Geoffreys (some soap opera where he looks like Snake Plissken), this movie really understood that it was small and embraced it. I believe the idea was to show what The Exorcist didn’t. The transition from playing with the ouija board, to being possessed. I believe it’s called progressive entrapment.
Tawny Kitain becomes obsessed with communicating with a spirit named David through the ouija board. As the movie evolves, it turns out she’s talking to someone evil named Malfador. In addition, her boyfriend (played by Todd) is struggling with a strained relationship with his former best friend (played by Stephen), who just happens to be Tawney’s ex. Stephen’s character becomes more involved with Tawny’s obsession, because he’s responsible for introducing her to the ouija board in the first place. After a couple of mysterious deaths Todd and Stephen stop at nothing to uncover and stop this dark force thats punching his way into our world.
It’s a solid Horror film. Not a masterpiece. But just an overall good, small movie that’s meant to entertain not rock your world. It’s definitely dated and clearly shows that it’s an 80’s film. But I believe that’s part of it’s charm. Tawny is not the best actress on the planet, but she really delivers in this movie, and the camera truly loves her. Todd Allen is one of those actors that really should’ve took off (he will come up in REAL STARS…). Did really small parts. I remember him the most in MASK (no not the Jim Carey film). The Rocky Dennis film with Cher. He played one of the bikers, that kept fighting with the same guy. Real honest and natural performance, and in a sense challenges Tawny to deliver a believable relationship. Stephen Geoffreys is really the actor that carries the story. Does most of the explaining, and is the most proactive in saving the day. Then theres the short but memorable performance by Kathleen Wilhoite (Private School, Roadhouse, Angel Heart), as the medium who delivers a lot of “psychic humor.”
The only real criticisms I have for the film is that Malfador (the real villain) has a 5 second appearance. He really needed more screen time. The ending seemed rushed. The best example I can come up is Rocky IV. Starts off patient, but then feels rushed towards the end. I mean this is the point where Tawny is full blown possessed, and she just chases Todd around with an ax. Could have used a more firework finale.
As usual Scream Factory brings it. Awesome HD picture, and satisfying DTS sound. The extras have an awesome indepth retrospective documentary, some vintage footage, etc. As I said in The Blob review, the extras is the main attraction. The movie is the bonus.
Witchboard is a huge mark on my childhood memories. From having a dubbed copy in my collection, to having the poster (I got from the video store) in my room. That’s the real reason why I buy these movies, and why I will continue to. To bring me back to a time, when all I cared about was getting on my bike
and peddling my ass to the nearest video store. Shit…I guess that’s still my priority even at the age of 46. Have I learned nothing?
The master of intensity. The master of the thousand yard stare. Lance is by far my favorite actor. No doubt. He can be on screen for 30 seconds, give a look, and steal the movie.
For those who are just tuning in, this isn’t about his entire filmography in chronological order. It’s about the movies I grew up watching, can’t get enough of, and play a major role in my well rounded collection.
The first film I saw him in was “Dog Day Afternoon.” The movie by itself was a masterpiece. Lance’s subtle, low key, less is more performance made the inevitable ending incredibly tense. Driving the get away van, he constantly reminds Sal to keep his gun pointed up. Once he reaches the airport, he puts the van in park, spins around, and puts one right between Sal’s eyes. Lance’s actions and Al’s reaction brings the movie to a breath taking ending.
Now…Is bringing up “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Damian: The Omen 2” necessary since they’re small roles? Yes. These movies are great examples that even though the roles didn’t look intriguing on paper, Lance brings life to them and makes them memorable.
As a child of the 80’s of course I was a huge fan of “The Terminator.” Lance plays one of the cops that in a way brings comic relief without being so obvious or cheesy. Paul Winfields right hand man and biggest pain in his ass. He also gets double tapped by Arnold. You know…a quick spray from the machine gun, and 2 pops from the shotgun. Personally I think he should’ve played Kyle Reese. Not that Michael Biehn didn’t kill it, but the first half of the film, Kyle seemed just as suspicious as Arnold, and Lance could’ve done a lot with that.
Now we’re getting into 86. Yes, I’m gonna talk about “Aliens.” Lance brought so much to this role, I don’t think I can even put it all into this entry. Completely aware of the audiences attitude about cyborgs (excuse me…artificial person), based off the first film and what Ian Holm brought, Lance completely torments the audience. He is so subtle in keeping the audience guessing. Is he good? Is he gonna turn on Ripley, and try to bring the alien back for testing? He maintains loyalty to the crew, while being completely mezmerized by the specimen he’s dissecting. I felt so bad for his character when Ripley smacks the cornbread out of his hands. Combination of “what the hell is her problem?” to a heartbeat away from crying. I’m sure it was this peformance that beefed up his future roles. Not a fan of Alien 3, so I won’t even get into it. Not his fault. He was great. Just not into it.
Ok now…Let’s talk about the movie that made me a Lance fan. “Near Dark.” Without a doubt the best vampire in cinema history. I was terrified of him and wanted to be him. Great example of why Lance is really good at “less is more.” Doesn’t say nearly as much as his wild side kick, played to perfection by Bill Paxton (you are missed buddy). But then again, he doesn’t have to. The leader of a vampire gang, that’s never off the clock. The only actor I can imagine walking into a biker bar, locking the door, and saying “just a few moments of your time, about the same duration as the rest of your life.” Fucking brilliant. You kind of see a slight reenactment in “The Bronx Tale,” but doesn’t quite have the same impact. My favorite vampire film, and my favorite role he plays. I still can’t believe this is still a relatively unknown film.
I saw “Pumpkinhead” in the theaters mainly cause Lance starred in it. He brought so much humanity into this role. I mean…it’s a simple monster movie. Just like Dee Wallace in “Cujo” Lance really deserved an award for his performance as Ed. As a fan I completely felt for him when he lost his son. In such a short time, all he did was wash his kids hands and share his grandmother story (which I believe was true). Like Linda Blairs performance in “The Exorcist” you get to know Lance’s character really well in a short period of time before the shit hits the fan. Takes an amazing actor to win the audience in 20 minutes. The most heart breaking scene is when he’s sitting in his truck, and his dead son sits up and says “What did you do daddy?” he completely falls apart. Amazing. And…let’s not forget the bone chilling thousand yard stare he gives one of the teenagers clinging onto his son. But watch his transition from pure hatred to unbearable sadness and pain.
Now…it kind of seemed for awhile after that, he was playing heavies in movies that would’ve been God awful without him. I’ll bring up two.
“Hard Target.” Probably on the record as being Van Dammes best film (I would go with Cyborg). But only cause Lance was in it. The protagonist is only as good as his antagonist. Lance really brings the thunder, and reigns hell all over Van Damme.
Not a huge fan of “Stone Cold.” Brian Bosworth can’t act for shit, and the undercover cop concept has definitely worn out it’s welcome. However, Lance playing the heavy with his right hand man played by William Forsythe (we’ll talk about him in the future), really saves this movie from being a bomb. Lance owns the screen. He can special guest on fucking “Sesame Street” and take it over without saying a word. When someone wants to talk about all the great actors in “Sons of Anarchy” I always bring this up. That ain’t shit. Watch Lance in “Stone Cold.”
Just like I said about Dee in the 90’s I was pretty preoccupied. Caught a few episodes of “Millenium.” Thought it was a great show, and Lance was great in it. Just had a lot going on that decade.
My favorite recent performance I saw him in (maybe not that recent), was “Cyrus: Mind of a Serial Killer.” He plays a man with a great story that he shares with a journalist (brilliantly played by Danielle Harris). He’s basically the narrater of a story about a simple man turned serial killer. He plays it so close to the chest, that you can’t help but think that he must be the killer. If you haven’t seen this, pick it up. It’s a good watch.
Lance is definitely a real star of Hollywood. This guy should have a cabinet full of Academy Awards. Which is why I truly believe that the Academy Awards is not the ulimate pat on the back. It’s the body of work you leave behind, and the lives you touch through the art you create. Lance is a great example of that. If you get a chance, I highly recommend watching the interviews he gives in “Aliens, Near Dark, and Pumpkinhead.” He keeps your attention and tells great stories.
Thank you Lance for keeping me entertained for so many years and giving me movies I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life.
It’s no secret that I am a Horror junkie. If theres any genre that would qualify me as an historian it would be Horror. However, if all I loved was Horror than I would be rather one dimensional, cliché, and boring. People that know me well would say I’m nostalgic. If you come over to my house to watch movies, you’ll most likely see something from the 60’s through the 80’s. A majority of the music I listen to comes from the 60’s through the 80’s. If I had to pick a decade that I’m in love with it would be the 70’s. The best music and the best movies.
This past Saturday, I wake up, drink my coffee, curl up with my cat, and put something on. I usually rock something light. Something that gives me a good laugh. I pop in “Car Wash” and enjoy a great 70’s classic. As I’m watching it I realize something. “Friday” was highly influenced by “Car Wash.” I have always considered Car Wash a comedy classic. Up there with Airplane, Animal House, Caddyshack, etc. I’ve always considered Friday a new classic. Up there with Dazed and Confused, Big Lebowski, basically any movie that qualifies as a midnight showing.
In case you disagree, let’s take a minute to break it down. Car Wash really has no story. The movie is really about the common work day and the shit that goes down. Create a handful of characters, and give them all they’re own individual drama. At the end of the movie, create the ultimate conflict with a positive result. In the case of Car Wash, Bill Duke returns to the car wash with a gun, and the older ex con talks him down.
Friday does a brilliant job of paying hommage to Car Wash without directly ripping it off. In this case, there are actually 2 spectators we can live vicariously through, watching individual soap operas unfold. Or what I use to say when I grew up in similar neighborhoods “Enjoying the show.” Friday also has the ultimate conflict when Craig goes toe to toe with D-bow. He takes the manly way out, loses the gun, and trades blows.
In order for these both movies to work, it really comes down to the writing. As I’m sure critics have snubbed they’re noses at both movies, it is not easy to write a movie with basically no story. What makes these movies work, is that everyone can relate to them. No matter what you’re race, religion, or political point of view, everyone gets it.
The soundtracks for both films stand the test of time and are guaranteed mood lifters. Rose Royce kills it with hit after hit, giving us classics that are still on the radio today. Friday takes it a step further and provides us with 2 volumes. One for the new school and one for the old school. Respecting it’s roots it gives us that good time 70’s flavor as well as the modern rap and r&b tracks that were dominating the scene at the time.
Now I have to take a minute to address something I have been defending since I was old enough and educated enough to defend. When I announced I was gonna do a piece on these 2 movies, a response I got was “Why do they always have to be smoking weed?” My response was “Why do you feel the need to bring it up?” I honestly don’t where this person was coming from. Whether they were offended over the drug use in general, or that a specific race was being portrayed in a negative light.
Let’s start with the first possible reason. I grew up in Stockton, Ca. Some pretty bad neighborhoods. Even though Boyz N the Hood, and Menace to Society points out some pretty real shit, I would say the neighborhoods I grew up in were closer to Friday. Everyone knew each other, and theres always that bumbed out fucker that wanted to borrow shit all the time. So…if you grew up in those neighborhoods, you would already know that smoking weed was as common as smoking cigarettes. I doubt that either movie was trying to make this something to focus on. I would say it’s part of the neighborhood culture, and deserves about as much attention as any golden age of Hollywood actor lighting up a
cigarette. Even though my pot smoking days are long gone, I really don’t see the negative in it.
Cool? Let’s rock the 2nd possible reason. Portraying the African American culture in a negative light. That is absolutely ridiculous. Every time a controversial movie is released, people lose they’re shit and say that they are being portrayed in a negative light. Bring it back to Earth. Movies are visual story books. It’s just one story about specific people in a specific situation. Scarface is not about all cubans. It’s about Tony Montana. Fatal Attraction is not about all women. It’s about Alex Forrest. Silence of the Lambs is not about all homosexuals. It’s about Buffalo Bill (who I don’t even think was gay to begin with). So relax. It’s only a movie.
I hope you enjoyed this. I hope I shedded a little light on a couple of great comedies you may not have seen yet. I am a proud member of the VHS generation. My 700 plus blu-ray collection, is just a modern VHS collection. I’m gonna tap into a lot of genres and a lot of great lost gems. Horror will be well represented, but so will everyone else.
Released in 1981, this has been known to be Brian DePalma’s biggest box office failure. Over time, it has been considered to be his masterpiece. Sound effects specialist Jack witnesses a car crashing into the river. Only able to save one life he saves Sally and leaves the 2nd victim behind. Later, he finds out that the latest Governor was in the car. As the story evolves, Jack realizes that the tire was shot out, and it was intended that the Governor die. Jack stops at nothing to make sure the truth gets out, putting his new friend Sally in harms way.
There was a period in Brian Depalma’s career where he was really the new master of suspense. Highly influenced by Hitchcock, his wave of ground breaking thrillers started with Sisters, and ended with Body Double. To say he was ripping off Hitchcock is rather unfair. Hitchcock basically wrote the book on Thrillers. It’s impossible these days to do a Horror or Thriller and not take from Hitchcock. Even Hostel takes from Hitchcock. From Eli Roths cameo, to making the character Josh the Marion Crane of the movie.
Not only is this my favorite Brian Depalma film (with Sisters at a close second), but it’s also my favorite John Travolta film. You have to understand, that around this time John Travolta was a huge star. Straight off of Saturday Night Fever, and Grease, Blow Out was definitely breaking the rhythm that he was
dancing to. Previously working with Depalma and Nancy Allen in Carrie he already had a great relationship with them.
The brilliant John Lithgow played the villain hot on their tail to erase any evidence and witnesses related to the controversial blow out. He proves to be a terrifying villain, and its probably this performance that lead him on the path to such movies as Raising Cain, Ricochet, and of course Dexter.
One of many things I love about Depalmas films is the way he starts them off. He really gives you an all bets are off feeling. From the game show in Sisters, the shower scene in Dressed to Kill, to the Billy Idol looking vampire in Body Double.
Blow Out starts off as a sleazy slasher film shown in POV of the killer. A very popular thing in the early 80’s from the success of Halloween and Friday the 13th. You then realize it’s just the director and Travolta working on this slasher film, and now the real movie begins.
The other main thing I love about Brian’s films is his endings. You never know where he’s gonna take this story. But chances are if the characters are self destructive, then someones gonna die. In this case, Sally dies by John Lithgow’s hands. Jack, arriving too late kills Lithgow. The brilliance is Jack uses Sally’s recorded scream in the slasher film he’s working on. Travolta’s best performance is his emotional response every time he has to hear that scream.
Is it a shame that it didn’t do well at the box office? Not necessarily. Some of the best films fail at the box office and then find it’s audience through home video. This is number 2 on my top 10 favorite list. I can’t imagine it being bumped off any time soon. This movie is not for everyone. Especially the common modern movie goer today. Audiences these days want the fast food of movies. Fuck the back story, fuck character development, let’s just move forward. Brian doesn’t do that. He takes his time, builds suspense to the point where you’re about to go nuts, and gives the characters such depth that you would have to be a cold hearted asshole not to feel for them.
If you do check this out, please pick up the Criterion version of this. The extras are a movie fans dream, and the transfer is like watching it again for the first time.
MORBID MOVIE MEMOIRS: VHS GENERATION 