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
Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 8: Papa
*Spoilers* Chapter Eight is about as bland as its title. But considering how the finale promises to be more than explosive, it’s not the worst content in the world. Nonetheless, after seven episodes ranging from solid to stellar, “Papa” overstays its welcome and becomes the first episode to not justify its runtime. Director: Matt Duffer, Ross … Continue reading Stranger Things Season 4, Chapter 8: Papa
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
Camp Kaiju 