DVD Collectors Online

The Skull, a review by Danae Cassandra

The Skull
Year of Release: 1965
Directed By: Freddie Francis
Starring: Peter Cushing, Patrick Wymark, Christopher Lee
Genre: Horror

Overview:
The Skull weaves a chilling tale surrounding the real-life terrors of the Marquis de Sade. Featuring outstanding performances by Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, this tale introduces Dr. Christopher Maitland (Cushing) who purchases the infamous skull of the Marquis de Sade, a decision that he was warned against by his good friend - and previous skull owner - Matthew Phillips (Lee). The question is whether or not Dr. Maitland will live to regret his decision.

My Thoughts:
This was a flawed, but still interesting film about a skull possessed of an evil spirit and what befalls an occult collector who acquires it. The performances are excellent. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee are always a pleasure to watch, and they don't disappoint here. If you enjoy those two actors, that is enough to recommend the film. Patrick Wymark also turns in a great performance as the shady Marco. It's a low budget film, and sometimes the effects are a bit obviously low budget, but the sets are handsome and Cushing's occult study is suitably crammed with creepy things. The dream sequence is a bit of a standout, if for nothing else than Cushing's performance in it and the wtf moment that it enters the film. The pov shots from inside the skull feel gimicky, and the film feels a bit overlong - the idea probably would have worked better as an anthology film, following the skull through the centuries instead of jumping directly from disinterment (and right after) to Cushing's era. Still, I enjoyed the film and would recommend it if you like Lee and Cushing.

Bechdel Test: Fail

Overall: 3/5

(From Month Long Horror/Halloween Marathon on October 15th, 2014)

Son of the Mask, a review by addicted2dvd

Son of the Mask
More mischief...more mayhem...more magic! The Mask is back. A decade after wreaking havoc in Edge City, the legendary Mask of Loki finds its way into the hands of cartoonist Tim Avery (Jamie Kennedy), whose new son is born with the Mask's spectacular powers. The newborn boy an d the family's jealous dog engage in a boy versus bowser battle royale for control of the Mask that turns the household upside down. But the really BIG trouble begins when Loki himself (Alan Cumming), the god of mischief, comes looking for his Mask and he's willing to do whatever it takes to get it back. Co-starring Traylor Howard and Bob Hoskins.

Stars:
Jamie Kennedy
Alan Cumming
Traylor Howard

My Thoughts:
My daughter and I felt like watching a movie together... and she picked this one out. While there is some laughs to be had in this movie... I think I prefer the first one a little more. I did like seeing Traylor Howard in this movie. I always enjoyed her in the TV Series Monk. This is a good movie when you are just in the mood to watch something silly that you don't need to think about at all.



(From Weekend Movie Marathon: 8/28 - 8/30 on August 30th, 2009)

Angel Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

14. Release
Original Air Date: 3/12/2003
Angelus continues his search for The Beast's mysterious master, never suspecting that it could be someone close to him. Meanwhile, Faith and Angelus do battle while Cordelia convinces Connor to keep their baby a secret.

Guest Stars:
Eliza Dushku

My Thoughts:
Once again... I am really loving every second of it. Evil Angel, Faith... what's not to like? And what an ending to this episode! I know how it all turns out and I am still all excited watching it!

My Rating:

(From Angel Marathon on March 18th, 2010)