The_Moviegeek Reviews

Face Eater (2008)

Surprisingly Good Satire!

[10/10 · 5 January 2010]

When I first came upon this film, I didn't expect much from it. However, based on the DVD cover, it looked like it would be a fun movie as the cover is obviously a reference to the 1950 film, Harvey. Therefore, I thought there might be something to it. I was right.

I agree with the previous reviewer, if you don't like low-budget, B-Movies, then this isn't for you. BUT, if you like low-budget, campy stuff, then this is right up your alley. What is cool about this film is that it fools you. From the start, it seems like you're watching a serious crime drama, then it takes a wild turn into what can only be described as campy, satirical fun. The acting is way-over the top, some of it is downright bad, which lends itself to the John Wateresque style of film-making.

The film covers a wide range of genres including everything from sci-fi, horror, spaghetti western, crime, and film-noir. The best way to describe this film is that it's FUN. It's not Oscar worthy or even Sundance worthy, but regardless of the obviously low-budget, the film has high production values and is fairly well-made.

If you don't take yourself or your movies too seriously, give this a shot.

Angel Heart (1987)

One Of The Best Movies Of All Time

[9/10 · 19 January 2006]

This is quite simply an incredible film. Director Alan Parker brilliantly weaves an intense thriller using the horror and noir genres. Angel Heart, set in Brooklyn and New Orleans, is one of the most beautiful cinematic films I've ever seen. Parker really took advantage of the surrounding scenery.

But what stands out the most in this film is the acting. Mickey Rourke, who plays Harry Angel, is phenomenal as usual and proves that he really is one of the greatest actors of his generation. DeNiro, who plays Louis Cyphre, though only in about 15 minutes of the film, delivers one of the creepiest performances I've ever seen. You can't not enjoy this film.

Dawn of the Dead (1978)

Romero's Gone With The Wind

[9/10 · 19 January 2006]

This, along with John Carpenter's The Thing, is arguably the best horror film classic of all time. Dawn of the Dead, which takes place directly after Night of the Living Dead ends, was the goriest movie people had ever seen when it was released in 1978. It pushed boundaries and added a whole new element of gore in film.

Romero brilliantly weaves his famous political commentary throughout this picture. One of the most impressive aspects of this film is that Romero managed to make a very popular film using no "A" list actors.

Dawn of the Dead is a story of four people who take refuge in a shopping mall where they're sheltered from a world infested with zombies. This is a must see for any horror fan and a must see for any movie fan. This is probably THE most influential horror film you'll ever see.

Trancers (1984)

A Cult Gem!

[7/10 · 19 January 2006]

If you like sci-fi and noir, you're in for a good time. Tim Thomerson plays trooper Jack Deth, a future cop who's occupation is to kill a dangerous breed of humans called Trancers. Deth's mission is to travel back in time to stop Martin Whistler (Michael Stefani) from assassinating the future forefathers and peacekeepers of Angel City. During Deth's journey he encounters Leena (Helen Hunt) who helps him find his way in the city of the past.

This film doesn't take itself too seriously and aside from some cheesy, but funny acting in certain places, this little cult gem is one of the most entertaining low budget movies you'll ever see.

The Driller Killer (1979)

Avoid At All Costs

[1/10 · 19 January 2006]

Being a fan of such great films as The King of New York, Bad Lieutenant, and The Funeral, I thought I'd explore Abel Ferrara's early films. Bad mistake. The Driller Killer is by far the worst movie I've ever seen next to Manos: The Hands of Fate. It's one thing to watch a movie that's so bad it's good such as: Army of Darkness, Trancers, etc. But The Driller Killer is just plain horrible. The acting was awful as was the band that plays repeatedly throughout the film. One thing Ferrara has always been good at however is showing the gritty side of humanity, but even that couldn't save this film. Ferrara has certainly evolved, unfortunately, this film has not.

Straw Dogs (1971)

Peckinpah's Masterpiece

[9/10 · 19 January 2006]

'Straw Dogs' is one of Peckinpah's greatest achievements as a director and storyteller. 'Straw Dogs' is the story of a man and wife who move to Britain to escape the rampant violence in America. Hoffman plays David Sumner, a mathematician and pacifist who is overseeing the construction of he and his wife's new home. After months of being bullied and taken advantage of by a group of locals, David Sumner loses his cool.

This amazing film is the story of what happens when you push a peaceful man too far. 'Straw Dogs' is easily one of Dustin Hoffman's greatest roles. Enjoy!

Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974)

Now This Is A Movie!

[8/10 · 19 January 2006]

Set in Mexico, 'Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia is the story of a bounty gone awry. The daughter of a wealthy Mexican businessman gets impregnated by none other than Mexican hooligan Alfredo Garcia. The infuriated father, demands the head of Alfredo Garcia be brought to him dead or alive. The great Warren Oates plays Bennie, a down and out piano player who unintentionally becomes involved in the hunt for Alfredo Garcia. Tagging along is his girlfriend Elita, played by Isela Vega. This film also has a good cameo by the great musician and actor Kris Kristofferson. 'Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia' is the story of greed, lust and misfortune. Peckinpah truly was one of the greatest directors who ever lived. Enjoy!

The Thing (1982)

Arguably The Best Horror Film Of All Time!

[10/10 · 19 January 2006]

John Carpenter's 1982 remake of Howard Hawks' film The Thing is considered by many to be the best horror film classic of all time. Surprisingly, this film didn't do well at all when it was released in 1982. It was competing with E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and failed miserably at the box office. In fact, Carpenter could barely find work as a director afterwords. But since then, The Thing has become a cult classic horror film that has influenced generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. This film has an all-star cast which includes Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, David Clennon, and T.K. Carter.

Set in a snowy military compound, a lone wolf wanders into the compound after being savagely hunted by a foreign military. Soon enough this group of men realize they are dealing with something much more dangerous than just a wolf. If you haven't seen John Carpenter's The Thing, you are in for a very big treat. Enjoy!

Escape from New York (1981)

They Don't Make Em' Like This Anymore

[10/10 · 18 January 2006]

If you haven't seen John Carpenter's 1981 film Escape from New York, you're missing out. This is Carpenter at his best mixing sci-fi, cult, western and always his famous political commentary. Made in 81', EFNY takes place in 1997, and New York is a crime haven reserved for only the most infamous of criminals. Kurt Russell plays Snake Plissken, a former war hero turned criminal. Plissken is caught attempting to rob the Federal Reserve and is blackmailed by Bob Hauke (Lee Van Kleef) to go into New York and find the U.S. President (Donald Pleasance) who is being held hostage. This film also includes memorable performances by Ernest Borgnine (Cabby), and Isaac Hayes, (The Duke). If you like fun, old fashioned edgy film-making, this is for you.