In its 69 minutes, I Walked with a Zombie packs a dense and fascinating allegory for the damning effects of slavery and the tenuous coexistence of cultures. Like many of the B-grade horror films produced by Val Lewton at RKO Studios, it began life with a certain set of parameters and expectations: saddled with the title I Walked … Continue reading I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
Category: Horror
The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Movie Review
Not only does Bride of Frankenstein continue the story where Frankenstein (1931) left off, but builds upon it. This automatically makes it a good sequel - what makes it a great film is a complicated layering of metaphor, allegory, and thematic undertones. Director: James WhaleWritten by: William Hurlbut, Runtime: 75 minutesUS Release: April 20, 1935; Universal Pictures The film … Continue reading The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Movie Review
Phantom of the Opera (1943) Movie Review
The Phantom of the Opera has a long and storied history of adaptations. Despite having so much going for it, Claude Rains' turn as the masked maestro struggles to overcome certain fatal flaws. Director: Arthur LubinWritten by: Samuel Hoffenstein, Eric TaylorRuntime: 92 minutesUS Release: August 12, 1943; Universal Pictures Eighteen years after the 1925 silent adaptation starring Lon Chaney, … Continue reading Phantom of the Opera (1943) Movie Review
The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942) Movie Review
Or as others may say, "The Shadow of Frankenstein". The fourth film in the classic Universal series is a fall from grace compared to the proceeding three; budgets, runtime, and marquee actors are all downsized. Despite the newly minted B-movie status, however, there is enough spooky charm to make Ghost of Frankenstein worthwhile. Director: Erle C. … Continue reading The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942) Movie Review
31 Days of Kaiju
It's the most wonderful time of the year! October is the month in which you're not only permitted but encouraged to watch at least one horror movie a day, celebrating the spookiest, goriest, campiest holiday of the year. With that in mind, we're offering our list of the 31 best monster/kaiju movies to watch this … Continue reading 31 Days of Kaiju
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
Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 7: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab
*Spoilers* Chapter Seven is a long one, yet never feels frivolous; the Duffer Brothers finally accept that Mike and Will’s side-quest is not the most important needle to thread. Rightful attention is directed to Hopper’s Soviet struggles; Upside Down adventures; and Eleven overcoming the Nina Project. Each of these stories has always offered variance in … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 7: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab
Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 6: The Dive
*Spoilers* Well dang, they went for it. I won’t say anymore until the end of the review, but in the immortal words of Jack Shephard: “We have to go back.” For many, the developments surrounding Lovers’ Lake will be the main takeaway from Chapter Six. It could be argued, however, that it is the human … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 6: The Dive
Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 5: The Nina Project
*Spoilers* Season Four reveals its pattern with Chapter Five; beginning with the first episode, the season alternates between “set-up” and “pay-off” episodes. Just as Chapter Three gave us a chance to breathe after Vecna’s reveal in Chapter Two, so too does “The Nina Project” allow us to compose our thoughts following the emotional roller coaster … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 5: The Nina Project
Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 4: Dear Billy
*Spoilers* Unlike the previous episode, there is little filler in "Dear Billy". Chapter Four maximizes every minute of its 79 minute runtime, gripping us with horrific imagery and emotional reckoning. Sadie Sink establishes herself as the season's anchor, the ghosts of Victor Creel are unearthed, and David Harbour is finally given something to work with*. … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 4: Dear Billy
Camp Kaiju 