term: Reviews

Review: Bubba Ho-tep (2002)

Eric Miller — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:31:37 -0400

If an ancient Egyptian mummy began to menace a retirement home in East Texas, what would he be called? Why, Bubba Ho-Tep of course! And who better to defeat them than JFK and the King of Rock and Roll? This epic battle is the subject of Bubba Ho-Tep, a delightful horror-comedy from director Don Coscarelli, starring Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis. A film that knows when (and when not) to take itself seriously, Bubba Ho-Tep manages to carefully explore its main character, offer some very good laughs, and still have some poignant things to say.

Review: Blood from the Mummy's Tomb (1971)

Timothy J. Rush — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:01:35 -0400

If there is one thing you will really remember about Blood from the Mummy's Tomb, it is Valerie Leon's bosom. It's rather hard not to notice, since they really make sure you see her breasts from just about every angle, and by the end you've seen just about every inch of them barring her nipples. Beyond Valerie's voluptuousness, however, Blood from the Mummy's Tomb is an enjoyable little Hammer Horror film, providing a bit of fresh variety to a story that was, even in the 70s, a bit cliche.

Review: The Mummy (1959)

Julia Merriam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:01:00 -0400

When you get right down to it, most mummy movies are more or less the same. Guy becomes mummy, mummy is awakened, mummy discovers reincarnated princess that he loved back in good 'ol Egypt and mummy deals with unrequited love and undead emo. So, when it comes to mummy movies, it generally not the story that makes it a good one. Instead, they have to rely on actors, themes, sets and cinematography. Luckily, The Mummy (1959) has all of this in spades, making Hammer's renowned contribution to the genre not only a good mummy movie, but a damned good film overall.

Review: The Mummy's Tomb (1942)

Nate Yapp — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:53:07 -0400

Okay, put away your books. Time for a pop quiz. I know, I know, I promised that you wouldn’t have one today, but isn’t the point of a pop quiz the surprise factor?

Review: The Mummy's Hand (1940)

John Dubrawa — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:12:16 -0400

In the 1940s, Universal Pictures sought to bring another horror franchise to life (as it had with Dracula and Frankenstein previously) with the production of four films based off their 1932 film, The Mummy. After a rushed shooting schedule (less than a month) and last minute editing[1], the first of these films was released.

Review: Dracula's Daughter (1936)

Shaughn Ander — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:52:01 -0400

Lambert Hillyer's Dracula's Daughter - the sequel to Tod Browning's 1931 classic Dracula - has long been considered an inferior follow-up and a forgettable film by many horror fans and critics, despite the fact that it is one of the best Universal sequels and horror tales of the period.

Review: To the Devil a Daughter (1976)

Kevin Nickelson — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:10:40 -0400

Good versus evil has been a standard cinematic theme, particularly within the horror genre, since the invention of the Cinematographe by Louis Lumiere in 1895. However, as film audiences have become more jaded over the years, the definitions of good and evil have become less clear. Enter To the Devil a Daughter, an ambitious but technically flawed attempt to muddy the line between hero and villain.

Review: Vengeance of the Zombies (1973)

Robert Ring — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:14:16 -0400

I would not call Vengeance of the Zombies a zombie film any more than I would call Dawn of the Dead a screwball comedy. Just as a couple pies-in-the-face do not define the latter, five or six zombies do not make a zombie film. But I’m going to stop rambling and get right to the dirt because it does not seem right to waste energy on a film of this quality. Even as far as C-grade trash goes, Vengeance of the Zombies is bad and (even worse) boring.

Review: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

Eric Miller — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:52:09 -0400

Remaking a classic can be a daunting prospect. The new film will be scrutinized not only by moviegoers and critics, but by people making exacting comparisons between it and the original version. A director must be careful to respect and honor the original film, while at the same time offering a new and fresh take on an already familiar story.

Review: The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)

Timothy J. Rush — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:04:28 -0400

"Nine killed her; nine shall die! Eight have died, soon to be nine. Nine eternities in doom!" If that sort of beautifully over-the-top line doesn't bring warmth to your heart, you might as well turn back now. You will not enjoy The Abominable Dr. Phibes, a brilliant piece of moody, camp horror from 1971. You will not bask in the glory of Phibes's twisted wonderland of murder and revenge. However, if you can feel the cockles of your heart stirring with anticipation, you are in for a beautiful treat.