HiLander-4 Reviews

Flight to Hong Kong (1956)

Film Noir in broad daylight...

[7/10 · 26 February 2013]

I watched the film because I have long thought Rory Calhoun an under-appreciated "B" leading man, and strong "A" supporting actor. He performs well in the former capacity as the hero of this thriller.

It is a well-cast movie with a familiar double-double cross plot shot in exotic locales baked by tropical sun and sweltering in steamy moonlight. The pace is good and plot twists abound.

At one point, Calhoun's character improvises a delayed explosion as good as any I've seen: hand grenades taped to overhead fan blades with string connecting the pins to the motor, so turning it on eventually triggers the blast.

The B&W cinematography is effective despite the occasional studio rear-projection used to put characters in difficult to shoot scenes.

A good piece of period cinema before nude scenes and graphic violence.

Theater of Blood (1973)

Better than Phibes, Goldfoot, or Robur...

[9/10 · 1 June 2011]

The stars are for the stars, and there are plenty of them. This horror/comedy tour-de-force boasts not only Price's grand self-parody, but a dream cast of British movie greats in juicy cameo/supporting roles. The production values are dated, and the story predictable yet this somehow makes the performances that much more impressive. Even Price's wife, Coral Browne gets in on the act as one of his victims. The employment of Shakespearian themes in the murders provides the villain with ample opportunity to chew up scenery. If you're looking for vivid color, wide-screen cinematography and over-the-top CGI gore, go elsewhere. On the other hand, if you appreciate the AIP films of the 60's and 70's, then you should definitely see this one.

If Looks Could Kill (1991)

Give it a chance...its better than it "looks."

[8 May 1999]

For a long time, I refused to watch this flic because I thought it was just a vehicle for "teen idol" Grieco, and I usually don't enjoy stories contrived to promote TV to films career moves. Then I saw "The Man Who Knew too Little" with Bill Murray, laughed out loud, and decided to try this similar, mistaken-for-a-spy spoof. I'm glad. The plot is artless, totally ridiculous & full of contradictions. Yet, the terrific cast carries the implausible story to entertaining heights with scenery-chewing, tongue-in-cheek glee. A really hot sex scene turns into a gorefest, the villains are outrageous, and the heroics are spectacular. WB threw sfx money at this one.

I especially enjoyed Robin Bartlett as the "French Teacher".

Hardcore (1979)

Watch this film start to finish: its "Boogie Nights" from the other side.

[8 May 1999]

I saw this film on its original release, and agree with the other contributors. It is gripping, frightening and fundamentally(sic) disturbing. Any parent who has ever worried that a child is going astray will find the performances and subject matter compelling. Any child who has ever doubted the love of a parent should find a benchmark for comparison in the character George C. Scott portrays. "Hardcore" demonstrates the extent to which we will betray our values to protect our kids, something only mothers and fathers understand.

Report to the Commissioner (1975)

So much talent, so early in their careers.

[8 May 1999]

You'll overlook this film unless you really are an Aquarian and remember its original theatrical run. Not as highly regarded as Serpico. or Prince of the City, but just as important as one of the breakthrough films that suggested cops could be the bad guys, or, more accurately," ...there are no good guys, there are no bad guys, there's only you and me and we two disagree..". If, by chance you ever see this on the rental shelf, or late night TV, watch it, and you won't be sorry, even if only to see a chronicle of the times before anti-heroes regularly wore badges.

"Homicide" (also starring Yaphet Kotto), "Law and Order" (also, originally, starring Michael Moriarity)...even "Hill Street Blues" owe a debt to this gritty, depressing view of the law enforcement establishment.

In retrospect, watching this film adds significance to the subsequent work of its company.