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Messages - Danae Cassandra
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« on: October 05, 2018, 04:55:45 AM »
1. The Wicker Man - 4/5
2. Shadow of the Vampire - 3.5/5
3. Hereditary - 4/5
4. Calling Dr. Death - 3/5
5. Weird Woman - 3/5
6. Dead Man’s Eyes - 3/5
7. Frozen Ghost - 3/5
8. The Fall of the House of Usher (1960) - 4/5
9. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust - 3.5/5
10. Inferno (1980) - 3/5
11. Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key - 4/5
12. Asylum - 3/5
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« on: July 01, 2018, 02:19:54 PM »
Austin City Limits: 2 episode - 4 points Danganronpa: 1 episode - 1 point Dirty Jobs: 1 episode - 2 points Entertainment Tonight: 1 episode - 2 points Forensic Files: 7 episodes - 7 points Jeopardy: 1 episode - 1 point The Lawrence Welk Show: 1 episode - 2 points Mythbusters: 1 episode - 2 points Nature: 1 episode - 2 points NOVA: 4 episodes - 8 points The Profit: 2 episodes - 2 points Secrets of the Dead: 4 episodes - 8 points Steven Universe: 2 episodes -2 points The Toys That Made Us: 3 episode - 6 point Wheel of Fortune: 1 episode - 1 point Band of Brothers: Episodes 1-10 - 20 points Blue Planet II: Episodes 2-7 - 12 points Chopped: Season 23: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Chopped: Season 24: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Chopped: Season 25: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Chopped: Season 26: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Chopped: Season 27: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Chopped: Season 28: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Chopped: Season 29: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Chopped: Season 30: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Chopped: Season 31: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Chopped: Season 37: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Gravity Falls: Season 1: Episodes 16-20 - 5 points Gravity Falls: Season 2: Episodes 1-20 - 21 points Hoarders: Season 5: Episodes 1-11 - 22 points Monty Python's Flying Circus: Season 1: Episode 1-13 - 13 points Monty Python's Flying Circus: Season 2: Episode 1-13 - 13 points Monty Python's Flying Circus: Season 3: Episode 1-13 - 13 points Monty Python's Flying Circus: Season 4: Episode 1-6 - 6 points NCIS: Season 1: Episodes 1-23 - 46 points NCIS: Season 2: Episodes 1-23 - 46 points Sherlock Holmes: The Granada Television Series: Series 1: Episodes 1-13 - 26 points Sherlock Holmes: The Granada Television Series: Series 2: Episodes 1-13 - 30 points Sherlock Holmes: The Granada Television Series: Series 3: Episodes 1-4 - 8 points Someday's Dreamers: Episode 1-12 - 12 points Tales from the Crypt: Season 1: Episodes 1-6 - 6 points Teen Titans: Season 1: Episodes 1-8 - 8 points Bonus Points:Band of Brothers: Season 1/Complete Series - 5 points Chopped: Season 23 - 5 points Chopped: Season 24 - 5 points Chopped: Season 25 - 5 points Chopped: Season 26 - 5 points Chopped: Season 27 - 5 points Chopped: Season 28 - 5 points Chopped: Season 29 - 5 points Chopped: Season 30 - 5 points Chopped: Season 31 - 5 points Chopped: Season 37 - 5 points Gravity Falls: Season 2 - 5 points Hoarders: Season 5 - 5 points Monty Python's Flying Circus: Season 1 - 5 points Monty Python's Flying Circus: Season 2 - 5 points Monty Python's Flying Circus: Season 3 - 5 points Monty Python's Flying Circus: Complete Series - 10 points NCIS: Season 1 - 5 points NCIS: Season 2 - 5 points Sherlock Holmes: The Granada Television Series: Series 1 - 5 points Sherlock Holmes: The Granada Television Series: Series 2 - 5 points Someday's Dreamers: Season 1/Complete Series - 5 points Total Points: 732
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« on: October 18, 2017, 06:02:40 PM »
 The ThingYear of Release: 1982 Directed By: John Carpenter Starring: Kurt Russell, A. Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter, David Clennon Genre: Horror, Science Fiction Overview:Horror-meister John Carpenter ( Halloween, Escape from New York) teams Kurt Russell's outstanding performance with incredible visuals to build this chilling version of the classic The Thing. In the winter of 1982, a twelve-man research team at a remote Antarctic research station discovers an alien buried in the snow for over 100,000 years. Once unfrozen, the form-changing alien wreaks havoc, creates terror and becomes one of them. My Thoughts:Another Lovecraftian film, for all that it's based on a novella by John W. Campbell, Jr. I was personally reminded a lot of At the Mountains of Madness, likely because of the Antarctic setting and the alien entity. Really well done piece of sci-fi horror. Great work at showing the paranoia and breakdown of trust that happens between the crew as they begin to suspect that everyone around them may be an enemy. Great use of the isolated setting, and how that isolation can feed into the horror. Carpenter has some really gruesome, bloody effects here in the alien transformations, making this a body horror as well as anything else. Kurt Russell is really good in his role as our hero, and I came to appreciate his character more than I thought I would when he was first introduced. In fact, I thought all of the cast was strong. Good directing, good cast, strong script, all round good film. I can see why this is so highly thought of. High recommendation from me as well. Likely a must see for horror fans. Bechdel Test: Fail Mako Mori Test: Fail Overall: 4/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 05:58:37 PM »
 In the Mouth of MadnessYear of Release: 1994 Directed By: John Carpenter Starring: Sam Neill, Julie Carmen, Jurgen Prochnow Genre: Horror Overview:Sutter Cane is this century's most widely read author and his novels have been translated into 18 different languages, spawning a billion dollar industry. When Cane vanishes just days before he's expected to deliver his last manuscript, his publisher hires John Trent to investigate his disappearance. Trent believe at first it's an ill conceived publicity stunt--until he and Linda Styles, Cane's editor, travel to New England. There, they wind up in a town that cannot be found on any ordinary map- called Hobbs End, a fictional village that exists only in Cane's novels. Has the investigation unearthed a fantasy world or has reality blended with the macabre imagination of Sutter Cane? My Thoughts:Though this adapts no specific story, it has the most wonderful Lovecraftian feel. The idea of ancient beings of terrible and immense power, of humanity teetering on the edge of knowlege to horrific to be borne; that is so much Lovecraft's work. If you're a Lovecraft fan looking for a good movie adapted from his work, you won't be disappointed. Sam Neill does a great job as the insurance investigator sent to find missing best-selling author Sutter Cane, whose latest manuscript will be worth millions of dollars to his publishing house if only they can lay their hands on it. He embodies a certain kind of character here, the sceptic that continually denies even after evidence is presented until it completely overwhelms him, and makes him both realistic and sympathetic. Really, really excellent film. Not a linear film, and you should pay attention to catch all the details. Feels like it should be a must see for horror fans. Bechdel Test: Fail Mako Mori Test: Fail Overall: 4/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 05:53:39 PM »
 Cat's EyeYear of Release: 1985 Directed By: Lewis Teague Starring: Drew Barrymore, James Woods, Alan King, Kenneth McMillan, Robert Hays Genre: Suspense/Thriller, Horror Overview:A wandering supernatural feline's adventures provide the linking story for Stephen King's Cat's Eye, a dead-on thrillogy scripted by King and directed by Lewis Teague ( Cujo). The staff at Quitters Inc. promises to help nicotine fiend Dick Morrison (James Woods) kick the habit. Next, a luckless gambler (Robert Hays) is forced into a bet involving a stroll around the building – on the five-inch ledge encircling the 30th floor. Finally, our wayfarer kitty rescues a schoolgirl (Drew Barrymore) from a vile, doll-sized troll. My Thoughts:Solid, if not inspiring, piece of anthology horror. Everyone gives a good performance, though I found the mother's character in "The General" to be a bit over-the-top with her immediate hatred of the cat. "Quitters Inc." is the first short, and easily the most horrific. It's really the only piece to remain a true story of horror, for it has an open ending hinting at the possibility that it will never end. Definitely the best of the three. "The General" was my favorite, because I really liked the design of the troll and it's the story you get to see the most of the cat in. The central piece, "The Ledge," is a good story, but I simply didn't connect with it as well as the other two. There are some cute nods to other works of Stephen King's such as Cujo and Christine being the most obvious. Definitely recommended for fans of King's, and wouldn't be a bad choice for a watch with older kids who want a horror film. Bechdel Test: Pass Mako Mori Test: Pass Overall: 3.25/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 05:46:10 PM »
 The ShallowsYear of Release: 2016 Directed By: Jaume Collet-Serra Starring: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada, Angelo Josue Lozano Corzo, Jose Manuel Trujillo Salas Genre: Drama, Horror, Suspense/Thriller Overview:In the taut thriller,when Nancy (Blake Lively) is surfing on a secluded beach, she finds herself on the feeding ground of a great white shark. Though she is stranded only 200 yards from shore, survival proves to be the ultimate test of wills, requiring all of Nancy's ingenuity,resourcefulness and fortitude. My Thoughts:Really sharp, tense piece of survival horror. Beautifully filmed in a gorgeous location that belies the danger lurking beneath the surface. Blake Lively does a great job as the young woman trying to escape her problems only to be confronted by one she can't run away from. I love love love her character arc. She develops into a really strong, kick-ass person who is determined to fight for her life. I also really like that you find out a bit about the shark that gives him a motivation for being so interested in killing humans. Overall, great film and highly recommended for fans of survival horror. Bechdel Test: Pass Mako Mori Test: Pass Overall: 4/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 05:43:10 PM »
 Isle of the DeadYear of Release: 1945 Directed By: Mark Robson Starring: Boris Karloff, Ellen Drew, Marc Cramer, Katherine Emery, Helene Thimig Genre: Suspense/Thriller, Horror Overview:The most celebrated star in the history of screen horror headlines these two atmospheric works filled with producer Val Lewton's trademark mix of mood, madness and premeditated dread. Boris Karloff shares a quarantined house with other strangers on a plague-infested - perhaps spirit-haunted Isle of the Dead. My Thoughts:Decent short thriller starring Boris Karloff, that proves that nothing is more deadly than superstition coupled with authority. Karloff is a talented actor and he's playing a kind of character here that I haven't seen from him before. (Though to be fair, he made a lot of movies and I feel like I haven't scratched the surface.) I also really liked both Katherine Emery and Ellen Drew's characters, as they weren't the usual screamers I expect in films of this vintage. Both had their moments of fear and weakness, but both had their moments of strength as well. Not exactly a horror film, IMO, really a thriller with horror elements, but recommended if you enjoy the shorter 40's thrillers. Bechdel Test: Fail Mako Mori Test: Fail Overall: 3.25/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 05:32:31 PM »
 Wishing StairsYear of Release: 2003 Directed By: Jae-Yeon Yun Starring: Ji-hyo Song, Han-byeol Park, An Jo, Ji-Yeon Park Genre: Horror Overview:Legend has it, if you climb the 28 stairs leading to the school dormitory and count each step aloud, a 29th step will appear and a spirit will grant you a wish. If your intentions are honorable, your wish can be a blessing of good fortune. But at this high school, where jealousy and paranoia reign supreme, malicious wishes are about to unleash an unspeakable evil. Be careful what you wish for; some wishes were never meant to be granted. My Thoughts:This is the third Whispering Corridors film. Like the previous two, it's a film about the pressures of high school, bullying, academic expectaitons, and also about love and friendship, and taboo relationships. It's about girls who care for one another but are also forced into intense competition. It starts off slow, giving us a chance to get to know these girls and build their relationships before things get grim and horrific. Be careful what you wish for. The film then develops into a genuinely creepy ghost story. Recommended for folks who enjoy Korean horror. The first two films in this series are pretty good too. Bechdel Test: Pass Mako Mori Test: Pass Overall: 3.25/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 05:29:52 PM »
 The Invisible ManYear of Release: 1933 Directed By: James Whale Starring: Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, William Harrigan, Henry Travers, Una O'Connor Genre: Horror, Suspense/Thriller, Science Fiction Overview:Renowned acting legend Claude Rains made a remarkable screen debut in The Invisible Man, based on H.G. Wells’ acclaimed novel. Rains, a mysterious doctor, creates a serum that makes him invisible. But the miraculous potion also has the power to drive him mad, as he discovers when he is forced to commit horrific acts of terror. Directed by the master of the macabre, James Whale, The Invisible Man set the standard for dazzling special effects with ingenious techniques that are still imitated today. My Thoughts:This is my second time watching The Invisible Man and the effects are still amazing when you think this was made in 1933. Claude Rains performance still carries the film. He is able to embody this character, and tell you so much about him, with only his voice. I am also still annoyed with Gloria Stuart's hysterical, weepy, useless Flora. Una O’Connor's character also grates on the nerves. These are minor complaints to an otherwise classic film that is not only influential but still holds up quite well and is a lot of fun to watch. Recommended for anyone who enjoys classic horror or classic films in general. Bechdel Test: Fail Mako Mori Test: Fail Overall: 3.5/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 04:37:41 PM »
 The Long Hair of Death (I lunghi capelli della morte)Year of Release: 1964 Directed By: Antonio Margheriti Starring: Barbara Steele, George Ardisson, Halina Zalewska, Robert Rains Genre: Horror Overview:Iconic British-born queen of Gothic horror Barbara Steele (Mario Bava’s Black Sunday) is mesmerizing in this surreal, atmospheric chiller directed by Italian dark fantasy filmmaker Antonio Margheriti ( Castle of Blood, Invasion of the Flesh Hunters). Essaying a dual role, Steele stars as an unlawfully-executed woman’s doomed daughter whose own murder won’t stop her from fulfilling her mother’s curse upon a despicable nobleman and his family, even from beyond the grave. Filled with shuddery, stark black and white imagery, bursts of operatic violence and featuring a thundering score by Carlo Rustichelli ( Blood and Black Lace, The Whip and the Body), The Long Hair of Death stands as one of the finest European horror films of the 1960's. My Thoughts:Nice little Gothic chiller with a bit of ghostly revenge. Good performances from Barbara Steele and Halina Zalewska as the sisters, and Giorgio Ardisson did a good job as well, especially at making you hate his character. Lighting and setting are also done well to give this little Gothic a decent atmosphere. On the other hand, the script is kind of all over the place, and it does seem to drag a bit. Gets you into it by the last third of the film, and it does have a fine ending. Recommended if you like old school horror. Bechdel Test: Pass Mako Mori Test: Fail Overall: 3/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 04:32:31 PM »
 An Evening of Edgar Allan PoeYear of Release: 1970 Directed By: Ken Johnson Starring: Vincent Price Genre: Horror Overview:Vincent Price recites four Edgar Allen Poe stories: The Tell-Tale Heart, The Sphinx, The Cask of Amontillado, and The Pit and the Pendulum. My Thoughts:This short anthology film is a treat for fans of Vincent Price. He is the sole actor here, doing four of Poe's short stories as, basically, one-man stage shows. It's very much a showcase of Price's talent, since each story allows him to develop a different character. "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "A Cask of Amontillado" are both two of Poe's best known stories and the best of these four features. One showcases Price as a raving madman, the other as cold and calculating a villain as you'll ever see. "The Pit and the Pendulum" is good, but I don't find it as engaging as the other two, though Price plays desperate terror quite well. I find "The Sphinx" the weakest of the lot, though still enjoyable. This was made for television, and obviously very cheaply, but if you're a fan of Vincent Price it's well worth seeing. Bechdel Test: Fail Mako Mori Test: Fail Overall: 3.75/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 04:29:00 PM »
 Night of the Living DeadYear of Release: 1968 Directed By: George Romero Starring: Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley Genre: Horror Overview:In director George Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, seven people secluded in a Pennsylvania farmhouse face relentless attacks by reanimated corpses seeking to eat their flesh. The group, which includes a married couple and their daughter, a pair of young lovers, and an African American man, try to keep their sanity as the living dead try endlessly to enter the house until they are laid to rest by burning or a severe blow to the head. As they listen to news reports of the zombie plague taking over the eastern United States, the ever-decreasing band of survivors loses ground in their battle to both keep peace with one another and stay alive. Romero's low-budget, homegrown classic went from being unable to find a distributor to becoming one of the most influential horror films of all time. Aside from its visceral impact years before realistic gore became the fashion, the film is also important for its portrayal of a black man as the protagonist during a time when race relations were an extremely sensitive issue in the United States. Romero's choice for the ending of his film also made a shocking and bold statement about the issue. My Thoughts:Hard film to review here. This is super influential. Bleak, dark, actually horrific. Romero made very good choices for his low budget - the single setting, the cheap black-and-white film. He ushers in the idea that horror is not just something to hint at but something to show. We actually see the ghouls here eating the flesh and organs of their victims. Though they are called ghouls here, this is the start of the flesh-eating zombie genre. We also have a strong, resourceful, likeable hero in Ben ... who happens to be African-American. On the bad side, I really hated Barbra. She's another example of the useless screaming woman trope that I despise. She does nothing to work toward her own survival, or to help the others. At least Harry, another character I really didn't like, did try to do things, even if he was a snivelling coward more interested in being right and being in charge. I feel like I ought to rate this higher than I am, but for me the parts that I liked and thought were good are balanced out by my extreme dislike of Barbra. Bechdel Test: Pass Mako Mori Test: Fail Overall: 3.25/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 04:25:52 PM »
 Theatre of BloodYear of Release: 1973 Directed By: Douglas Hickox Starring: Vincent Price, Diana Rigg, Ian Hendry Genre: Horror Overview:Theatre of Blood (1973), directed by Douglas Hickox, offers the one and only Vincent Price in a role both madcap and touching. He plays a Shakespearean actor determined to wreak vengeance on the critics who fail to appreciate his genius, killing them in a series of set-piece murders based on scenes from Shakespeare. Diana Rigg plays Price's Cordelia-like daughter, and a lineup of British thespian legends incarnate the critics, including Robert Morley, Jack Hawkins, Harry Andrews, Arthur Lowe, Robert Cooke, Michael Hordern, Dennis Price, Ian Hendry, and Coral Browne. My Thoughts:This is camp done right. Vincent Price is delightful as a Shakespearean actor driven mad by criticism. After his attempted suicide, he returns to gleefully murder his critics in elaborate Shakespeare-themed set pieces. Before and afterward he does pieces of the various plays famous monologues. One of Price's best roles, this is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys his work. Definitely one to come back to. Bechdel Test: Fail Mako Mori Test: Fail Overall: 3.75/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 04:23:12 PM »
 Ghost of Mae NakYear of Release: 2006 Directed By: Mark Duffield Starring: Marasri Issarangkul Na Ayutthaya, Siwat Chotchaicharin, Pornthip Papanai, Pataratida Pacharawirapong Genre: Horror Overview:A young newlywed couple acquires an old abandoned house that soon brings them into contact with a vengeful spirit of horror and despair. While the ghost protects the couple from unscrupulous visitors at first, it becomes apparent that it expects a terrible favor in return. Only by setting the spirit free will they have any chance of surviving its wrath. My Thoughts:Decent ghost story based on a Thai folktale. Some of the acting seems a bit over done (the monk's greedy assistant comes to mind here), though I really like the actress that plays Nak. She's really good and her character develops into a strong, resourceful person. It's so nice to see a good female heroine in a horror movie. I'm not always happy with Nak's friends, and the film drags a little too long. It really should have ended with the scene before the last. Despite the criticism, this is a good ghost story and I'd recommend it overall to folks who enjoy Asian horror. If it isn't as good as the best stuff out there, it's still a decent film that's worth seeing. Bechdel Test: Pass Mako Mori Test: Pass? Overall: 3/5
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« on: October 18, 2017, 04:13:41 PM »
 The Worst WitchYear of Release: 1986 Directed By: Robert Young Starring: Diana Rigg, Charlotte Rae, Tim Curry, Fairuza Balk Genre: Fantasy Overview:Mildred is one of the young girls at a prestigious witch academy. She can't seem to do anything right and is picked on by classmates and teachers. The headmistress of the school, Miss Cackle, has an evil twin sister (Agatha) who plans to destroy the school. Can Mildred foil the plan before the Grand Wizard (Tim Curry) comes to the Academy for the Halloween celebration you'll never forget?!! My Thoughts:Pete once told me "Every movie is for somebody, but no movie is for everybody." I have to keep repeating that to myself, because there are people who love this turd. The script is dull, the effects are laughable (seriously, I've seen better effects in films from 80+ years earlier), and the performances range from school play adequate to laughably bad. Seriously, people, there's camp and there's so over-the-top that you've passed camp into Everest-sized caricature. That's not even touching Tim Curry's "the filmmaker dropped acid" music video in the center of the film. I like that almost all the characters are female - all the kids, teachers, and even the villains. That's really nice to see in a film aimed at kids. So 1 star for passing both Bechdel and Mako Mori. I love Tim Curry, I mean, I don't love him in this, but he is a cool dude, so we'll give this 1/2 a star for him just being in it. Still, would not recommend and have no intention of ever watching again. Bechdel Test: Pass Mako Mori Test: Pass Overall: 1.5/5
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