Son of Frankenstein (1939) Movie Review

Considered Universal's last "good" Frankenstein, this third installment in the Karloff trilogy certainly offers much for horror fans. Nevertheless, the wicked vision of James Whale and vulnerable humanity of Boris Karloff are starkly absent, and at times sorely missed. Director: Rowland V. LeeWritten by: Willis CooperRuntime: 99 minutesUS Release:  January 13, 1939; Universal Pictures Left to do the heavy … Continue reading Son of Frankenstein (1939) Movie Review

Godzilla (1954) Movie Review

Most horror-movie monsters are unleashed from somewhere deep within our collective id—the repressed fears which linger in “the dark, inaccessible part of our personality,” as Freud described it. We’re taught early in life that ghosts, vampires, and demons don’t really exist, but horror movies lure such terrors out into the open, agonizing the audience with … Continue reading Godzilla (1954) Movie Review

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995) Movie Review

What is the effect of nostalgia on a movie? Does it lend credibility to form and function? Or does it provide a nice impetus for enjoyment, but loses its luster soon after? Such a question begs consideration when sitting down to watch this feature-length adaption of the famous media franchise, whether it is your first … Continue reading Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995) Movie Review

The Predator (2018) Movie Review

*Spoilers* Rarely does a film leave your mouth agape as much as this entry in the Predator franchise. Sometimes bold, sometimes stupid, sometimes boldly stupid; The Predator is a helluva ride. Director: Shane BlackWritten by: Shane Black, Fred DekkerRuntime: 107 minutesUS Release:  September 14, 2018; 20th Century Fox Co-written and directed by Shane Black (of original Predator fame), the … Continue reading The Predator (2018) Movie Review

Predators (2010) Movie Review

Three years after Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, 20th Century Fox welcomed fans back to the jungle. Not only is Predators a return to familiar stomping - er, hunting - grounds, but it manages to provide enough twists and turns to prove itself more than a soft-reboot. Director: Nimrod AntalWritten by: Alex Litvak. Michael FinchRuntime: 107 minutesUS Release:  July 9, … Continue reading Predators (2010) Movie Review

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) Movie Review

*Spoilers* The follow up to 2004's clumsy - but overall solid - Alien vs. Predator, proves that more is not always better. Sometimes more runs counter to any hopes of artistic coherence. Director: The Brothers StrauseWritten by: Shane SalernoRuntime: 94 minutesUS Release:  November 4, 2007; 20th Century Fox Picking up immediately after the events of AVP, Requiem follows … Continue reading Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) Movie Review

Rebirth of Mothra (1996) Movie Review

Discovering the stand alone Mothra trilogy is like finding $20 in your pocket. It’s such an wonderful surprise being treated to something you never expected. That is what Rebirth of Mothra promises for any kaiju fan, with Mothra/Godzilla enthusiasts getting a particular kick out of it. Director: Okihiro YonedaWriters: Masumi SuetaniRun Time: 106 minutesJapanese Theatrical … Continue reading Rebirth of Mothra (1996) Movie Review

AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) Movie Review

Playing into the tradition of other classic "versus" movies, AVP presents an uneven - yet rollicking - entry for fans of each franchise. Director: Paul W.S. AndersonScreenplay: Paul W.S. AndersonRuntime: 101 minutesUS Release:  August 13, 2004; 20th Century Fox Set in 2004, a team of researchers (and mercenaries?) explore a recently discovered pyramid hidden under the ice of Antarctica. … Continue reading AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) Movie Review

Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 9: The Piggyback

*Spoilers* Should a show like Stranger Things ever have a happy ending? Should all the loose-ends be tied up neatly? As a serial, it is defined by the cliffhanger, and therefore decides to leave as much unresolved as wrapped up. Director: Matt Duffer, Ross DufferWriters: Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Caitlin SchneiderhanRuntime: 150 minutesUS Release:  July 1, 2022; Netflix There … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 9: The Piggyback