Papillon d’Amour (aka Butterfly of Love) | Review

Monsters are a frequent presence in narrative horror and science-fiction movies, but they also appear frequently in non-narrative cinema, at least in metaphorical ways. Since "all strange beasts" are welcome here at Camp Kaiju, we're excited to analyze some experimental or avant-garde work in which monsters raise their beautifully ugly heads, often in formally audacious … Continue reading Papillon d’Amour (aka Butterfly of Love) | Review

Edward Scissorhands (1990) Movie Review

Sometimes a film is so ingrained in pop culture that it is easy to take for granted. Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands (1990) is such a movie. Its themes like "beauty in eccentricity" and "the misunderstood monster" are well-worn in popular cinema (granted monster movies have explored these ideas for centuries, but with far less mainstream … Continue reading Edward Scissorhands (1990) Movie Review

Re-Animator (1985) Movie Review: Going for the Jugular

Few movies start with as bloody a bang as Stuart Gordon's Re-Animator. In those opening minutes, the film prepares you for everything you need to know; there will be gory special effects, deranged scientists, and more than a few surprises to keep you glued to the screen. Fans of such special effects driven horror movies, … Continue reading Re-Animator (1985) Movie Review: Going for the Jugular

The Monsters of MSPIFF

The 42nd Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) wrapped up on Thursday, April 27. Offering two weeks of local and international fare, encompassing fiction, documentary, animation, and practically every conceivable genre, it's an almost overwhelming smorgasbord for cinephiles in Minnesota. Initially, my plan was to see more than 40 movies throughout the festival, but I … Continue reading The Monsters of MSPIFF

Cold Skin (2017) Movie Review: A Lovecraft Film Deeper Than Most

A story about much more than having sex with fish people. That aspect occupies a sliver of the runtime, is shot with care, and provides intriguing layers to the themes of hate and isolation. While the film may be inspired by Lovecraftian Deep Ones, Cold Skin is foremost a drama; elements of horror are secondary … Continue reading Cold Skin (2017) Movie Review: A Lovecraft Film Deeper Than Most

65 Million Years Ago a Spaceman Blasted Dinosaurs in the Face | “65” Movie Review

Or as the official tagline goes, 65 million years ago prehistoric earth had a visitor... Whichever you prefer, 65 is a pulp fiction combining dinosaur action with science fiction thrills. The results are sometimes uneven - more intriguing than captivating - but thanks to brisk pacing and likable performances, there's simply not enough time for … Continue reading 65 Million Years Ago a Spaceman Blasted Dinosaurs in the Face | “65” Movie Review