Movies
Movie Review: Brutal Massacre
Brutal Massacre is the new mockumentary about schlockmeister Harry Penderecki’s attempt to make another hit film after some success in the eighties. Harry is joined by his group of workers that have stuck with him through the lean years because he has always been such a joy to be around. His latest attempt at making a film is the balls-out horror film Brutal Massacre.
The great thing about the mockumentary is that you can have a low budget, but it plays right in with the theme – as you’re not really making a movie but chronicling someone else’s. Although there are the horror elements throughout, this is a comedy, and I found myself laughing quite a few times during this film, especially at the quick clips of Harry’s past films (the Nursing Home and the Killer Koala being my two favorites). Not surprising, with it being a comedy, Harry’s features have always had something go wrong, and this film is no different – with the gullible, naive Harry pretty likable in his optimistic view of a life in shambles.
The film stars David (Midnight Madness, An American Wearwolf in London) Naughton as Harry – unrecognizable from his 80s films, along with a supporting cast including Ken (Devil’s Rejects, Dawn of the Dead) Foree, Brian (Clerks) O’Halloran, Gerry (40 Year Old Virgin) Bednob, Gunnar (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) Hansen (in an absolutely hilarious role as a Vietnam vet – muthafucker), and not one, not two, but all three of the original ladies of the first Evil Dead film (with Ellen Sandweiss getting a starring role).
The humour may not be for everyone – definitely on the silly side. But, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
3.5/5
Midnight Meat Train Railroaded?
A couple weeks ago, I was checking some local cinemas and saw that the latest Clive Barker adapted film (the first I remember being on the big screen for quite some time – was Lord of Illusions the last one?), The Midnight Meat Train, would be playing at Tower City Cinemas in downtown Cleveland. I even thought it would be fun to take an extended meeting with myself during work to catch the feature, as I know Christine would not want to see it. Here I am, thinking it’s a big release. I come in to work on Monday (8/4) and check imdb to see the ranking of the week’s movies, wondering if Midnight Meat Train at least made the Top 5. It didn’t. Didn’t even make the Top 10. Damn. Then, I find out that the movie company (Lionsgate) decided to pull it out and dump it in tiny theatres in the middle of nowhere (many being dollar theatres and in undesirable locations) instead of opening it in bigger cities and in better theatres.
I’m not sure why the sudden change of heart (I think it has reviewed well at some festivals – although Fangoria gave it a 2/4). I had been searching for reasons but haven’t found anything yet. Maybe they had a contract for theatrical play and decided to dump it in some shit theatres to meet their obligations before they throw it on DVD a month later or something. Not sure. Haven’t found out anything yet. Just thought that was kinda strange.
Friday the 13th Part 3 – In 3D
The Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland will be showing Friday 3 in 3D on Saturday Sept 13. Not sure if I’ll be attending yet, but that sounds like fun, as I’ve only been able to catch the film on video – and, the 3D gags are extremely hokey on 2D – curious if it’s any better in its true 3D form.
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