From Norwegian studio, Motion Blur, in partnership with Netflix comes a kaiju of the Scandinavian sort. Troll, like the modern classic Trollhunter (2010), exhibits Norwegian folklore on a monstrous scale. Unlike, Trollhunter, however, this new film by aptly-named director Roar Uthaug (Tomb Raider, 2018) is satisfied with the bare minimum - it achieves this surprisingly … Continue reading Netflix’s Troll Honors & Trolls the Genre | “Troll” Movie Review
How ‘Frankenstein Conquers the World’ Confronts the Monstrous Legacy of Hiroshima & Nagasaki | Movie Review
Frankenstein Conquers the World marks a departure from Honda's usual kaiju-fare of the mid '60s; however, it also marks a welcomed return to his horror aesthetic. Frankenstein features many graphic images that are intentionally brief and bloody, thereby leaving a lasting impression. The same is true for Honda's use of close-ups, especially on the titular … Continue reading How ‘Frankenstein Conquers the World’ Confronts the Monstrous Legacy of Hiroshima & Nagasaki | Movie Review
The Mummy Returns (2001)
Following the success of The Mummy (1999) was always going to be a tall order. The Mummy Returns does its best with director Stephen Sommers upping the thrills; unfortunately, this detracts from the story as much as it supports. Despite a misguided screenplay and overeager direction, the film rollicks along thanks to the returning cast. … Continue reading The Mummy Returns (2001)
Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967) Movie Review
After an eruption at Mt. Fuji, Gamera is drawn to the volcano. A young boy, Eiichi, sees Gamera and recognizes the giant flying turtle. Also drawn to the eruption is a reporter, Okabe; Eiichi brings Okabe into a cave to investigate further. The cave begins to crumble around them, however. Okaba abandons the boy only … Continue reading Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967) Movie Review
30 Kaiju for November: A List of Family Friendly Monster Movies
As we bid farewell to Halloween and all its ghosts and goblins, we turn our attention to the warmth of Thanksgiving. Sitting around a dinner table, surrounded by loved ones, chatting monster movies. What, your family talks about other things? We're not ones to judge the conversations of others, but if you're looking for something … Continue reading 30 Kaiju for November: A List of Family Friendly Monster Movies
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) Movie Review
The long awaited sequel arrives. After 29 years, the Sanderson Sisters have returned to Salem with a vengeance. Three decades is a long time, however, and previous inhabitants have moved on; Max, Allison, Dani, and Binx are long gone. In their stead are best friends Becca, Izzy, and Cassie. Along with Doug Jones's reprisal of … Continue reading Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) Movie Review
The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Movie Review
Now this is the Phantom movie we wanted. Hauntingly atmospheric with a genuine mystery pulling us along, we would watch this movie without Lon Chaney's tantalizing performance. But of course, that's just what places this film on every horror fan's "essential movie list". Director: Rupert JulianWritten by: Elliot J. ClawsonRuntime: 101 minutesUS Release: September 6, 1925; Universal Pictures Based … Continue reading The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Movie Review
I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
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)
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
Camp Kaiju 