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 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

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

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