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Baron Blood, a review by Jimmy

Title: Baron Blood (1972)

Genre: Horror
Director: Mario Bava
Rating: Unrated
Length: 1h38
Video: Widescreen
Audio: English
Subtitles: None

Stars:
Joseph Cotten
Elke Sommer
Antonio Cantafora
Massimo Girotti
Rada Rassimov

Plot:
An American student's family curse, an ancient Austrian castle of torture and a demonic incantation that resurrects the infamous 16th Century sadist known as 'Baron Blood'. Director Mario Bava returns to his gothic roots -- albeit with a modern day Technicolor twist -- in this indelibly atmospheric thriller that pays tribute to the sumptuous horror classics of the '30s and '40s while delivering the black humor and grisly shocks of the drive-in '70s. Joseph Cotton, Elke Sommer and Massimo Girotti star in one of the most visually haunting films of Bava's later career, now presented in its uncut European Version featuring footage not seen in the original American release.

First thing to say is that this film is a festival of accent and a subtitle track would have been much appreciated. Like the precedent gothic horror film directed by Mario Bava this one is well done. The cinematography is very good (the night scenes are a perfect exemple of it), but it isn't a surprise since the cinematographer is the maestro himself. The story is interesting, but I've found the two protoganists (Elke Sommer & Antonio Cantafora) incredibly stupid to go on with the ceremony two times. We can say congratulation to our two heros for the dead of many innocent because they are two idiots... I agree that Elke Sommer is really annoying (to be generous) when she act frightened. The rest of the cast is ok and even if Joseph Cotten is first billed don't expect to see him on screen a long time (maybe 15 minutes), but he plays quite an important role. Another surprise for me the doctor little girl is played by an uncredited Nicoletta Elmi who is probably one of the best child actor I've seen (I recommand Deep Red if you really want to see her in a much important role).

Another good film even if the end looks a little bit rushed...

Rating :

(From Mario Bava marathon on July 19th, 2009)

Saturday the 14th, a review by addicted2dvd

Saturday the 14th (1981/United States) (United States) Director: Howard R. Cohen Writing: Howard R. Cohen (Screenwriter), Jeff Begun (Story By) Length: 77 min. Video: Full Frame 1.33:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles:

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Stars:
Richard Benjamin as John
Paula Prentiss as Mary
Jeffrey Tambor as Waldemar
Severn Darden as Van Helsing
Kari Michaelson as Debbie

Plot:
What's in store for a family that disregards a warning in a will and decides to accept their inheritance of a cursed house in Eerie, Pennsylvania? The answer is PLENTY, as John (Richard Benjamin) and Mary (Paula Prentiss) discover in this suspenseful comedy spoof.

A "Book of Evil" has been hidden in the house and when it's opened, it unleashes all the evil in the world. The family is warned that on "Friday the 13th it gets bad, but on Saturday the 14th, it gets worse!"

It's all outrageous fun as John and Mary and their children attempt to exterminate their troubles before their housewarming party just two days away on SATURDAY THE 14TH!

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Bonus Trailers
• Production Notes

This is one I watched constantly in my early teens. I was up for it whenever I spotted it on cable. Then 37 years past. And when I finally watched it again today... I don't know. While I was able to watch it all the way through It just wasn't fun for me anymore. I feel I am being generous rating this one a 2... but I think part of that is nothing more then nostalgia.



(From That Time of Year Again: Halloween/Horror Reviews 2018! on October 5th, 2018)

"Stargate SG-1" Marathon, a review by DJ Doena

Synopsis: SG-1 meets an unidentified SG team that is under heavy fire by Jaffa. But the moment they want to help them they get shot by the "SG team". As it turns out are both "SG team" and "Jaffa" humans on a training mission under the order of Apophis. No one there knows that Apophis is dead and SG-1 has to explain that their mission is no more.

My Opinion: These soldiers (who are no Jaffa) strongly reminded me of the "Volkssturm", being the last resort of Apophis. I was glad that SG-1 could show them the futility of their mission without causing too many casualties.

Synopsis: Some of the Abydosians - including Daniel's father-in-law - have been captured by Amonet who has also retaken her and Apophis's child. When SG-1 attempts to free the Abydosians, Teal'c is forced to kill Amonet/Sha're who in turn was trying to kill Daniel. But Sha're manages to send one last message to her husband.

My Opinion: This was a very good ending to the Amonet/Sha're storyline. They gave her a worthy exit that remended me positively of Angel's You're Welcome. And now Daniel has a new mission: to find the child of Apophis and Amonet, the child that has all the knowledge of the Goa'ulds.

Synopsis: SG-1 comes to a planet that has neither elders nor children. And all the other people have lost all their memories one year ago. Hints indicate that this could be the work of Linea, the Destroyer of Worlds (Prisoners), who SG-1 has inadvertently freed. It's also not impossible that she is still on the planet.

My Opinion: Another good episode. Can a person have a change of heart? Hasn't Teal'c already proven that it's possible? I liked it.

Synopsis: Jacob/Selmak has been captured. He is held prisoner by Sokar - who imposes the devil instead of a god -  on a moon (Ne'tu) that literally has been turned into hell. Sokar plans a massive assault on the System Lords and Jacob/Selmak has inside knowledge. The problem is: There is only one person who has ever managed to esape from Ne'tu: Jolinar of Malkshur.

My Opinion: These Goa'ulds just don't know when they are supposed to have died. Apophis is back! Actually I like it, Apophis is a worthy opponent and his new mask looks "good". A very thrilling cliffhanger. Can't wait to see the conclusion.

(From "Stargate SG-1" Marathon on March 16th, 2008)