Reviews
Waiting for Guffman (1996)
Community theater exposed!
Truly one of the funniest films of the decade. Portraying bad acting is one of the most difficult roles possible, but this cast has perfected it. The best of the moc-doc style.
Picture Mommy Dead (1966)
A rare cult classic!
Martha Hyer, Don Ameche, and Zsa Zsa Gabor in a horror film?
-- It's definitely cult material. The three stars give unusually good performances for this type of film, with the rest of the cast over and under-acting. Truly an unusual horror film, the plot of this haunted mansion-whodunit isn't as predictable as it would seem. It's hard to find, but worth it.
Me ha gustado un hombre (1965)
Excellent musical comedy in the tradition of 'Victor/Victoria'
This Spanish language film is a sophisticated musical comedy but suitable for all ages. Julio Aleman (playing himself) appearing at a resort (the Sheraton Macuto) is troubled with his seemingly strange attraction to Angela (Teresa Velazquez), who had to impersonate a young man 'Angel', to obtain work as a bellboy; hence the title. Though this plot has been used before and since, the film is fast-paced with many interesting comical twists and subplots. The musical numbers are well-placed and appropriate to the story taking the form of rehearsals and a show-within-a-show. They are also an excellent opportunity to see actors (Aleman and Velazquez) singing and singers (Lillian de Celis and Raquel Castanos) acting. The film was shot on location at the Macuto resort in Venezuela. The ocean-front scenery and hotel are spectacular and are a time capsule of a 1960's luxury resort.
La maldición de la Llorona (1963)
Mexican horror at its best!
Great atmospheric Mexican horror film! Some special effects are sloppy, but the music and sets are true to the genre. The appearances of the crying woman (la llorana) herself are truly some of the most extremely unnerving moments in a horror film. Worth seeing just for that. The film is best seen in its original Spanish version.
La invasión de los vampiros (1963)
Chilling original vampire film
Though filmed on an obviously low-budget, with some almost humorous special effects, it remains a chilling atmospheric vampire story with true moments of horror. A definite cult classic. If possible, see it in the original Spanish version.