A day in the life, May 16, objet trouvé
Saturday, February 27, 2021
First Lines: Ann Leckie - Ancillary Sword
"Considering the circumstances, you could use another lieutenant."
Friday, February 26, 2021
Oculus (2013)
A woman tries to exonerate her brother, who was convicted of murder, by proving that the crime was committed by a supernatural phenomenon.
Very well to look at and with a capable cast this horror flick ha style and atmosphere, but thoroughly disappoints any high expectations with a silly and illogical plot.
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)
One man has seen more of the natural world than any other; this feature documentary is his witness statement.
More heartfelt and stirring plea than just a documentary David Attenborough presents his warning of the damage humankind has brought upon the planet as a summation of his life's work, including some spectacular nature photography.
Thursday, February 25, 2021
American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
In 2018, 38-year-old Shanann Watts and her two youngest daughters disappeared in Colorado. With the heartbreaking details emerging, the family's story made headlines around the world.
More than just a simple true crime documentary this is a quite incisive and stirring study of domestic violence and the influence of social media.
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
House of 1000 Corpses (2003)
Two young couples traveling across the backwoods of Texas searching for urban legends of murder end up as prisoners of a bizarre and sadistic backwater family of serial killers.
Deliberately over-the-top
gory homage to 80s video nasties is obviously aimed to die-hard fans
only and hasn't much to offer more than that.
Halliwell (no star): "Unoriginal, low-budget, gore-filled tribute to horror movies of the past, particularly The Texas Chain Saw Massacre."
Maltin BOMB. "This infantile ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW/TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE wannabe sacrifices genuine scares for gratuitous gore and nonstop profanity. Rocker Zombie, who has a genuine fondness for horror films, pointlessly sprinkles in vintage movie/TV clips."
Monday, February 22, 2021
First Lines: Jeff VanderMeer - Annihilation
The tower, who was not supposed to be there, plunges into the earth in a place just before black pine forest begins to give way to swamp and then the reeds and wind-gnarled trees of the marsh flats.
Home to Danger (1951)
A drug dealer tries to kill his partner's daughter, when she inherits an old house.
Above-average crime mystery is nicely staged and has a good cast; a bit old-fashioned, though.
Sunday, February 21, 2021
You're Next (2011)
When the Davison family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one of the victims harbors a secret talent for fighting back.
Fairly
original take on the slasher genre is quite effective and tinged with
black humor; the final twist, however, seems very contrived.
Maltin***: "Basic slasher plot (with a twist) is given imaginative, involving, and witty treatment; sets are used and photographed well."
