4 star scale as always.
Murder by Death-pure classic fun that just ends much too soon. The LD is the same as the DVD.
3 stars out of 4.
Men in Black-revisited after finding the BD trilogy set for super cheap and plan on doing some other Sonnenfeld films for the heck of it. The film works well due to its spontaneity and character byplay. But it ends far too soon and feels half baked-much of which is explained by how the entire ending was changed last minute and budget was withheld for sequences until the studio felt it was worthwhile. Many of the CG shots stick out like a sore thumb. But it is far more enjoyable than 99% of what we get these days. 3 stars out of 4.
Addams Family-a lark that is fine but never really impactful. Nothing of much interest really happens outside what would have appeared in a cartoon originally. The design and sound mix is quite good and the actors have fun but this ends up as somewhat forgettable. It’s nice to finally see the movie that inspired the legendary pinball table I’ve played for years. And someone must’ve literally seen this and thought to copy it over as Casper in the 90’s. 2 stars out of 4.
Addams Family Values-Much better, more fun and a bit silly. Much more of a plot this time around which is a complete improvement. 2.5 stars out of 4.
The Devils
I waited for years to see Ken Russell’s infamous 1971 film, and I’m glad I did. I saw an Eastman studio scope print apparently of the UK theatrical release that quite surprisingly was in good shape and not faded. This is a supremely powerful film that should be seen by anyone curious as it really tries to depict the depths of human depravity in circles of power that existed then and now. It isn’t a great masterpiece as with every Russell film I find myself begging for more story and less over the top visuals. If there was more story and narrative this would be one of the great films. As it is, the performances are staggering, the visuals and cinematography hauntingly great, and the film is quite unforgettable.
4 stars. That the studio still refuses to release the film or its restored uncut version completed in 2003 is CRIMINAL. Particularly since Russell made the Director’s cut and was not able to see it released before he died in 2011.
