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Creature from the Black Lagoon, a review by RossRoy

Original Title: Creature from the Black Lagoon Year: 1954 Country: United States Director: Jack Arnold Rating: NR Length: 241 Min. Video: Full Frame 1.33:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital Stereo, English: Dolby Digital Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo Subtitles: French, Spanish

What they say
Who knows what undiscovered life forms inhabit the bodies of water on our planet? When scientists exploring the Amazon River stumble on a "missing link" connecting humans an fish, they plan to capture it for later study. But the creature jhas plans of his own, inspired by the lead scientist's (Richard Carlson) beautiful fiancee, Kay (Julie Adams). This classic thriller is a genuine tribute to imaginative storytelling and an exceptional showcase for the legendary makeup artistry of Bud Westmore.

My Thoughts
Continuing on my journey through the classic monster movies. This time, is was Creature from the Black Lagoon. I enjoyed the film. I found it to have some nice underwater imagery. The gill man suit is well done. The story is kept interesting, with the discovery of a fossilized amphibian hand leading to the expedition to the black lagoon, but it's still a pretty standard monster story. It thrives on its imagery and atmosphere, though this movie is a lot less atmospheric than say Dracula or The Wolf Man. But they still manage to build some tension, especially during the underwater scenes.

I'll say this though. If you ever go through the classic monsters one after another, don't watch Creature from Black Lagoon right after The Wolf Man, Dracula or Frankenstein. On its own, it's a pretty good film, but when compared to the classic three, it pales in comparison and shows flaws you may not notice otherwise.



(From RossRoy's Random Viewings on October 17th, 2008)

District 9, a review by Rich

Title: District 9

Runtime:108
Certificate:15
Year:2009
Genres:Science-Fiction, Action

Plot:From producer Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) and director Neill Blomkamp comes a startlingly original science fiction thriller. With stunning special effects and gritty realism, the film plunges us into a world where the aliens have landed... only to be exiled to a slum on the fringes of Johannesburg. Now, one lone human discovers the mysterious secret of the extraterrestrial weapon technology. Hunted and hounded through the bizarre back alleys of an alien shantytown, he will discover what it means to be the ultimate outsider on your own planet.

My Review:
Disappointed after watching this movie, had hoped it would be either much better action, stronger sci-fi storyline, or blackly humourous. It kinda fails on all counts.
It is jam-packed full of amazing special effects, but it is so light on drama, atmosphere or storyline that it just doesn't ever hit a sweetspot. It is wholly original in many aspects, although you can definately pick out elements that Jackson has picked up from other films, it is pacy, the lead of Jason Cope is excellent, and it doesn't stink of Hollywood.
I think it will be more attractive to others, and I hope to read some reviews on here. For me I liked it, but I was a long way away from loving it.


(From Riches Random Reviews on December 30th, 2009)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

THE WIRE - SERIES ONE - THE TARGET



First aired: 6/2/2002    
During the trial of D'Angelo Barksdale, a mid-level dealer accused of murder, the prosecution's star witness recants her testimony, resulting in a not guilty verdict. After the trial, Detective James "Jimmy" McNulty explains to Judge Phelan how he suspects the Barksdale crew for a slew of related murders. When the judge contacts McNulty's superiors about this revelation, McNulty is taken to task for his indiscretion. Meanwhile, D'Angelo is free to return to work, but he soon discovers that he's been demoted.


(From My PILOT Marathon on June 3rd, 2008)