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Vacancy, a review by addicted2dvd

Vacancy
When David (Luke Wilson) and Amy Fox's (Kate Beckinsale) car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, they are forced to spend the night at the only motel around, with only the TV to entertain them--until they discover that the low-budget slasher movies they're watching were all filmed in the very room in which they're sitting. With hidden cameras now aimed at them--trapping them in rooms, crawlspaces, underground tunnels--and filming their every move, David and Amy must struggle to get out alive before they end up the next victems on tape.

My Thoughts:
This one was good... I really enjoyed it. I thought both Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale did a good job. But I do think the actor that played the hotel manager could have been better. I don't know what it was about him... but something just rubbed me the wrong way. But over all... definitely worth checking out.

(From Weekend Movie Marathon: 2/8-2/10 on February 10th, 2008)

Frankenweenie, a review by Danae Cassandra

Frankenweenie
Year of Release: 2012
Directed By: Tim Burton
Starring: Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Animation

Overview:
From Disney and creative genius Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas) comes the hilarious and offbeat FrankenweenieFrankenweenie is alive with enchanting fun for the whole family.

My Thoughts:
First, let me say that I am unabashedly a fan of Tim Burton's work.  I've loved all of his stop motion films, and his live-action stuff is generally good too (if not as much).  I love his dark, atmospheric, gothic style.  I'm also a big fan of old, classic monster movies.  So it's almost a given that I was going to love Frankenweenie. 

There's a lot of homage paid to the classics - Frankenstein, obviously, but also all the old Universal films, Gamera, heck, there's even a Bambi Meets Godzilla moment.  There's some genuinely emotional moments; both mom and I teared up toward the end.  There's also an interesting take on the usual theme in horror films of science as dangerous - here it is the intent behind the science that creates danger, rather than the science itself.  Also the usual message about not being so judgmental, and a condemnation of mob mentality. 

A great film for older kids, especially ones who've seen Burton's other films, as well as adults, I can recommend this for anyone - unless they refuse to see a film where a dog dies (yes, I know that person).

Bechdel Test: Fail

Overall: 4/5

(From Danae's 2013 Horror Marathon on October 6th, 2013)

Angel Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

17. Disharmony
Original Air Date: 4/17/2001
While the crew tracks down a cult of vampires led by a former motivational speaker with a wicked pyramid scheme, Cordelia gets a surprise visit from her old high-school buddy Harmony. Unaware her flaky pal's a bloodsucker, Cordy mistakes Harm's strange behavior for lesbianism---until the truth comes out, so to speak, in a call to Willow. Much to the dismay of her co-workers, the ever loyal Cordelia resolves to give her undead friend a chance at fighting for the good guys.

Guest Stars:
Mercedes McNab
Pat Healy
Alyson Hannigan

My Thoughts:
This one is more a fun, comedic episode. And it definitely is funny. Brittany joined me watching this one... and she was laughing so hard she couldn't even breath. It was definitely hilarious seeing Cordelia confusing Harmony being a vampire with being a lesbian. And even more so when she goes on about it to Willow over the phone.

My Rating:

(From Angel Marathon on March 9th, 2010)