Vultural

Silent Running - 1972 - 6/10

SciFi fantasy in 1972, predicts all green life will be extinct on Earth.
Perhaps less far fetched nowadays.
Vast spaceships, greenhouses, nurture the last fauna maintained by small robots and humans of sundry dedication.
Underlying themes of homesickness and isolation contest with the mission zeal.
Bruce Dern very good in this, although he is already wacko stereotyped which undercuts the story.
State of the art effects by Trumbull have not dated much.

Shout - 1991 - 5/10

Texas reform school hires new music teacher (please?).
This being the 50’s, in redneck US of A, does he teach ’em gospel.
Nope, rhythm and blues, what, back then, was termed race music.
Proto-Elvis, bizarre romance (dirty dancing on either side of the prison fence).
Heather Graham survived this, as did Linda Fiorentino.
As for John Travolta, his many comebacks stem from signing on to stinkers like this.
Avoid.

Kiernan, Caitlin - The Ammonite Violin And Others

Generous collection of stories that first appeared in Kiernan’s (still ongoing) Sirenia Digest. Most seem to have roots in fable, once upon a time, old wives tales. Deep roots, at that.

“Bridle” touches upon Irish myth. Not the Silkie, but the Kelpie. Harnessed to the obscure pond in the city park. Restraint leashes yearning. A trapped force, making promises and threats.

The Silkie takes stage in “For One Who Has Lost Herself.” She is downtown Manhattan, amidst chaos and rabble. She seeks, she has a claim, for a possession that has been stolen from her, something precious. This is a deeply satisfying work, encompassing quest and bitter life lessons.

“The Ammonite Violin” is conte cruel. The obsessive collector, ever hunting, raking, seizing if necessary. Repulsive, yet he does pay so handsomely. He has a unique violin constructed, then hires the abandoned musician. As with many stories here, loss is spliced with tear-stained discovery.

We eavesdrop in “Scene In The Museum (1896)”. The uncomfortable exchange between an old woman, curator, now blind, and a wharf prostitute, who sees more than she reveals, yet still permits herself to be exploited. Listening, overhearing, often incurs the same cost as observing, witnessing. Ask Odysseus, ask Orpheus.

With each issue, Kiernan tightened her lens, selecting works that would best serve Sirenia. Stories grow in strength and clarity, making this a choice ADULT collection to track down.

Dude, your website is gone. Say it ain’t so!

Brunei1992 said:

The Nexus 7 fan edit sounds awesome, could you PM me? Cheers.

Krausfadr is still highly active at OT.
PM him (or them / it) directly or inquire at his thread. Chances are he will never see your interest otherwise.

https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/Blade-Runner-1982-The-Nexus-7-Cut-in-4K-Released/id/78835/page/1

Louisiana Hussy - 1959 - 4/10

Laugh out loud trash of hip swaying female in backwater swamp hamlet.
Movie opens as a girl wearing tight slacks skedaddles out of a house, hops on a horse and giddyaps away.
Hollering menfolk, one shooting a pistol, chase after her to no avail.
Next scene, one of a pair of feuding brothers finds her out in the swamp while he’s out harvesting Spanish moss.
Sign outside his shack reads: Fish - Fur - Moss. A job is a job, I suppose.
Sooner than you can say, “Is it warm in here or what?” that female, the above mentioned “hussy” is digging her claws into barebacked men doing the horizontal hokey poke.
Generally to a sludgy blues score.
Late flashbacks reveal more men (surprise) and carnal wickedness.

This gem is like forty-eight ways bad, from acting to dialogue to editing to fisticuffs to overall structure.
Scenes are often inserted during a lull or exposition that have no bearing whatsoever to the story.
Like fifteen seconds of shack tramp grinding the Twist in her white bra and half slip.
Or when she strips naked and goes skinny dippin’.
For trash fans, this is a glorious film! Jaw dropping lunacy abounds.
While I have a soft spot for hard blondes, actress Nan Peterson falls short in the bottled department, though she has an expressive feral-like face that really propels this low-rent love dart.

Last Knights - 2015 - 5/10

I noted Clive Owen and Morgan Freeman and I crossed my fingers, hoping they weren’t slumming.
The Lord of the North (snow on ground) is summoned to the capital for extortion.
He refuses to pay the bribe, chastises onlookers in throne room, meets predictable fate.
No - it has a vibe going, but Knights is not a Game Of Thrones clone.
His realm is appropriated, honour disgraced, warriors scattered like winter leaves.
Then, said warriors bide their time - and wait - and wait.
Yes - a remake of Chūshingura, 47 Rpnin, countless other films, Kabuki, ballet …
Once I recognized the story, I prepared for the long, slow middle.
Darkness and shadows disguise shortcomings, and there is too much slow motion in battles.
I could knock this around, but it is not meant to be a classic.
Multi-national action film, aimed for non-demanding young males.
Derivative vengeance popcorn, but OK. Final fifteen minutes might please combat fans.

Through The Darkness - 2022 - 7/10
AKA - Agui Maeumeul Ilgneun Jadeul // 악의 마음을 읽는 자들

Sweeping story of the establishment and grudging acceptance of S. Korea’s Behavioral Analysis Team.
Criminal profilers.
While opening in 1975, the chronology runs from 1998-2007.
This charts the team, especially the head profiler, Song Ha-Young, and their work within Criminal Investigations, Forensics, etc … Also some of the politics, rivalries, and funding problems.
NO romance in this one.
Several serial killers are interviewed, before the arcs of three emerge.
Unlike so much Hollywood fodder, this does not glorify murderers.
Outstanding series. Must for crime fans.

Murders In Albi - 2021 - 6/10
AKA - Meurtres à Albi

New police commissioner Annabelle returns to her hometown of Albi.
Just as a murder has been committed on an isolated farm.
With a phrase of Latin carved on the aged farmer’s chest.
No romance with older cop Marc, as he seems happily married.
As usual with French TV crime mysteries, glorious scenery, cookie-cutter plot.

Bulldog Drummond - 1929 - 6/10

Ex-officer, seeking adventure, aids damsel in distress. Actually, her uncle, imprisoned by criminals.
Very early talkie is a lot of fun!
Terrific, Expressionistic photography that one might later associate with Universal.
Not static like most talkies, the dialogue is clear.
Best however is Ronald Colman as Drummond. Film relies on his charm and grace which are unfailing.
Fans of old dark house whodunits – this one!

I Was A Teenage Frankenstein - 1957 - 4/10

Bob suffers a horrendous crash. Thankfully, there is a handy surgeon who can mend him.
Wait a minute! The doctor’s name is Frankenstein? Who keeps alligators!
Bob’s restored face is one only Forrest Ackerman could adore.
Sorry teenage film, best suited for the makeout crowd at the drive-in, busy in the back.

Hidalgo - 2004 - 6/10

Washed up wrangler, now working with Buffalo Bill’s troupe, Frank accepts a challenge.
Long distance horse / rider endurance race in the Arabian desert.
Wily competitors, searing heat, minimal water, sandstorms.
Plot is somewhat a cross between Bite The Bullet and Iron Will.
Predictable, old fashioned oater boasts remarkable photography.
If the cowboy premise (with expected tropes) does not put you off, this is rousing adventure.

Babylon Berlin: S04 - 2022 - 7/10

So, after S03 I decided I was done with this series.
Until I misread that S04 would be the final season.
Wrong, fool. Time covers 1931 (supposedly the series ends with 1933).
New characters are introduced, older ones elaborated on.
Fewer and fewer are compelling as individuals, their storylines less so.
Intriguing side adventure, however, follows Abe Gold on a quest through a doomed landscape.
Two major feuds dominate. War between rival crime gangs, and the schism between the SA and SS.
The latter is highly absorbing, especially using the historical figure of Walter Stennes.
Mixed season, superior to S03.

That is so great to hear!
So many of us are “spleenless” (and no, I’m not fishing for an invite), so it might as well have been lost.
Brunei not only got a copy, but did his best to improve it, then generously shared it with the community.
It would be fantastic if you are able to upscale the complete DVD with Topaz!

Black Snake - 1973 - 5/10

Lesser known Russ Meyer outing set in the Caribbean.
Slave owner and plantation boss, Lady Susan, keeps menfolk drained or submissive.
Gun toting, bullwhip snapping antics punctuate a low voltage film.
This is not Blaxploitation, not smutty, not trashy drive-in naughtiness.
Anouska, with excessive eyeliner, tries hard, too hard, to be cruel, sexy, wicked.
Tura Satana, she ain’t.
Not classic Russ Meyer, either.

Under The Sand - 2000 - 7/10
AKA - Sous le Sable

After a few hours sunbathing, Marie realizes her husband has disappeared.
Hadn’t he told her he was just taking a quick swim?
His body is never found,
Not to worry, she still sees Jean in their house, still talks with him.
And continues to tell friends and family, he is still part of her day to day.
A day to day that grows more and more delusional.
Psychological descent from François Ozon.

Stallings, Penny - Flesh And Fantasy

For an ever dwindling demographic, this fat volume will be the equivalent of a jumbo bag of potato chips.

Stories, gossip, rumors, tell-alls, pertaining to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Primarily the 1940’s and 1950’s, albeit touching on the 1930’s and 1960’s.

Before and after retouched glamor photos. Stand-ins. Wannabees lingering to seize a petulant star’s role.
Dirt, along with magic of gauze.

Thing is, Boomers may have been the last generation to grow up with these films and faces, so routine on the late show or afternoon matinee.
Who watches now? Buffs and geriatrics.

Packed, packed, packed with photos. Obscure photos, the sort one could only find in the memorabilia shops scattered along Hollywood Boulevard, once upon a time.

I watched this last night and will post a review eventually.
The image to me was fine. My TV is a plasma, not 4K.
I had earlier mentioned the 480p versions.
Brunei’s recent edition is 1080p h265.
The “best looking” edit I have seen is the Nexus 7 by Krausfadr.
Zombie84’s edit is a different slant, however, and has been lost for about a decade.
I appreciate Brunei efforts in trying to enhance this, then sharing with the community.
Anyone curious, I strong urge you to seek this out NOW.
Thanks again, Brunei1992, for this.

The Pale Blue Eye - 2022 - 6/10

A cadet has hung himself at newly established West Point.
Worse, while waiting for burial, his heart has been cut out.
A “retired” inspector is asked to investigate and solve this before the politicians try to close the academy.
No evidence, no witnesses. Only a fey, Southern cadet offers odd assistance and speculations.
E. A. Poe.
Knowing Poe is in this leads one to wonder whether this will go the detective route or supernatural.
Darkly photographed, with a gallery of talent, including Robert Duvall,
Engrossing most of the way, although afterward one may realize how tenuous the script had been.

The Other One - 1946 - 6/10
AKA - La Otra

Good sister Maria confronts twin, Magdalena, about propriety.
Mind you, goody Maria is poor, lowly paid, while her sister knows how to exploit her assets, as well as men.
One belittlement too many, and Maria impulsively switches places. Permanently.
Not knowing of the corrupt skeletons in her tramp sister’s closet.
Mexican Noir of stolen identity has a great Dolores Del Rio shifting from mousy to seductress.
Melodramatic here and there, compensated with fantastic lighting and surprise twists.

Asamatsu, Ken - Inverted Kingdom: Tales Of The Hidden Gods 2

The opener, “The Horror In The Kabuki Theatre” is the longest and most challenging work in this collection. Challenging because it is filled with names I was not familiar with. Aside from the artist Hokusai, most were playwrights and performers, along with a producer or two. The story explains how evil or misguided souls misused the theater to crack a fissure into another reality, allowing older gods a foothold back into this world. Fans of HPL will recognize this all too well. And hey! The title seems like a riff on “The Horror In The Museum.”
“Taste Of The Snake’s Honey” is a decadent stroll into drugs, slavery, debauched sex, and jaded attempts to relieve excruciating ennui. Our protagonist inherits his father’s international trading firm, as well as his father’s long time Shanghainese partner. All is permitted, including the corpse.
I imagine all cultures share certain taboos. Such as, no matter how cheap the rent, living next to the cemetery may not be wise. Or, once family members exhibit deteriorating symptoms, do not tarry departure. Of course, many horror franchises rely on individuals ignoring warnings, as does our hero in “Summoned By The Shadows.”
He is an overworked, unlucky taxi driver. As his wife spirals, he clutches the hope things will improve, that they will save enough money to move. Just a little more time.

Execution Squad - 1972 - 6/10
AKA - La polizia ringrazia

Oops, sorry! I forget this robber, this murderer, this predator – has rights!
Not that even capturing criminals matters.
The press screams police brutality, guilty claim they were bed-wetters and can’t be blamed, or they have expensive lawyers.
Roma is besieged as laws protect criminals, not victims.
Until a private team, the “clean-up squad”, starts dispensing lethal justice where the courts have failed.
Citizens are thrilled, others recall the era of fascism.
Euro-Crime poliziotesschi is intelligent, yet talky. Bloody and cynical.

The Spy’s Wife - 1972 - 5/10

“Off on a new mission, are we, dear? Do be careful.”
And as soon as her espionage husband is away, the lover arrives and they begin checking for bugs.
Meanwhile, agent hubby is also going under covers.
Snide English comedy of anxiety and adultery.
Despite the nudge-nudge wink-wink premise, this manages to be dull.

Garton, Ray - Vortex

Our author must have been on a fueled bender with this one.
The famed horror novelist (author with looking glass) rehires his usual private eyes to check out spooky goings on up around Mount Shasta.
Situations and tropes are hurled into the blender.
A ravenous beast, the lost continent of Lemuria, telepathy, mercenaries, the Illuminati, the secret academy, a megalomaniac.
One turns pages, waiting to see what Garton will add, and you neglect to hone in on the plot.
Because the plot is as watery as a bowl of guppies.
Worst cliché he adds is children in danger, a sign of the truly stunted imagination.
Sheer folly.
Resembles a pitch for a cheap FOX Horror film.

Everything You Know Is Wrong - 1975 - 5/10

Filmed “adaptation” of a comedy album by the Firesign Theatre,
Scattershot ramble through a minefield of ideas, speculations, fantasies.
Canines in space, UFO’s, the comet Kohoutek, grief I don’t know.
The troupe lip-syncs their original LP, visuals are cheap.
I saw this with a stoned out crowd, myself included, and quickly wished I had taken Barbs instead.
Essentially a 1960’s ensemble, the Firesign Theatre was popular with acidheads in the day.
This recent revisit reminded me I never found them funny.
Still goes. For archeologists.