There are countless cases of Hollywood producers meddling with directors' artistic vision, as the crude demands of commercialism ruin ambitious creative endeavors. But it must be admitted that, sometimes, the push-and-pull between bottom-line moneymen and iconoclastic artists results in fascinatingly rich cinematic texts. Case in point: The Curse of the Cat People, which was marketed by … Continue reading The Curse of the Cat People (1944)
Jurassic World Dominion (2022) Movie Review
The final entry of the Jurassic World series leaves the franchise hopelessly mired in the past. Despite the imaginatively strong Jurassic World (2015) and the bold risk-taking of Fallen Kingdom (2018), Dominion refuses to be remotely memorable or inspired. Director: Colin TrevorrowRuntime: 146 minutesUS Theatrical Release: June 10, 2022; Universal Pictures The movie takes place after Fallen Kingdom, … Continue reading Jurassic World Dominion (2022) Movie Review
Killdozer (1974) Movie Review
Killdozer is two things at once: an amazing portmanteau and a lackluster TV movie. Seemingly inspired by the success of 1971’s Duel, ABC tried capturing lightning-in-a-killer-vehicle twice. Like Duel, Killdozer is based on a short story by a noted author; Theodore Sturgeon penned the sci-fi tale for Astounding Science Fiction in 1944. Director: Jerry LondonRuntime: 74 minutesUS … Continue reading Killdozer (1974) Movie Review
Rubber (2010) Movie Review
Rubber is one of those monster movies that manages to defy convention. For a genre defined by tropes and expectations, Rubber offers a breath of fresh air. It does not always work, however, and will certainly not prove everyone’s cup of tea. Director: Quentin DepieuxRuntime: 85 minutesUS Theatrical Release: February 25, 2011; Magnolia Pictures Quentin Depieux’s story about a killer tire … Continue reading Rubber (2010) Movie Review
The X from Outer Space (1967) Movie Review
The X from Outer Space is another Godzilla-inspired entry in the Japanese kaiju craze of the 1960s. Unlike Gamera however, the kaiju featured in X – dubbed "Guilala" – offers little inspiration. No wonder then, that this represents the lone giant monster outing from Shochiku. Director: Kazui NihonmatsuRuntime: 89 minutesJapan Theatrical Release: March 25, 1967; Shochiku The X from … Continue reading The X from Outer Space (1967) Movie Review
Godzilla Raids Again (1955) Movie Review
Ah, Godzilla Raids Again. Considered by many the sophomore slump of the franchise. Considered by (at least) one, to be an underrated gem. Director: Motoyoshia OdaRuntime: 82 minutesJapan Theatrical Release: April 24, 1955; TohoUS Theatrical Release: June 2, 1959 as Gigantis, the Fire Monster; Warner Bros. First off, the film is noteworthy for the introduction of Anguirus – … Continue reading Godzilla Raids Again (1955) Movie Review
Gammera the Invincible (1966) Movie Review
Leave it to the USA to make things “bigger”; and yes, I am referring to the inclusion of that extra “m” in Gamera’s name… Gamera, the Giant Monster was released in Japan in November 1965. It was Daiei Studio’s effort toward the kaijueiga phase sweeping Japan in the mid-1960s. Turns out, Gamera proved every bit … Continue reading Gammera the Invincible (1966) Movie Review
Camp Kaiju 