"SUPERNOVA"

"Supernova" got a bad rap upon initial release, but it really doesn't deserve the hate. At the same time, I wouldn't call it one of the best sci-fi movies of our generation. Well what do you get with "Supernova"? Throw 80's heartthrob James Spader, science fiction stablemate Angela Bassett, 90's teen Robin Tunney from "The Craft", Lou Diamond Phillips, and the gay dude from "My So Called Life" in a giant space ship. Also add a mysterious new passenger, alien artifact, and some trouble and you have the basic plot of "Supernova". Sadly, the film is somewhat predictable and not very original. We've seen this before. But besides it's flaws, "Supernova" offers some good. Bassett and Spader give great performances and the space effects are something to marvel at, especially for a film 10 years old. I wouldn't mind watching this in an IMAX experience. I still prefer the late 20th Century science fiction films such as "Event Horizon", "The Matrix", and "Gattaca", but "Supernova" is a solid minor league science fiction film. This is definitely worth checking out for sci-fi nerds.

*2 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

"SLEEPWALKERS"

Stephen King really outdid himself with this one. Those of you who haven't seen "Sleepwalkers" are probably wondering what its about. Well basically you have a mother/son somewhat incestuous team of modern vampires that look like cats who move to a new town to prey on the blood of virgin's for their life force. Also the young "vampire" can turn himself and his cool car invisible, but they are afraid of common house cats. If you aren't mildly interested yet, then I'm not sure what to say to you...

Besides the ridiculous plot, there are some interesting cameos for horror movie nerds to take note of. Stephen King, Ron Perlman, Clive Barker, and Joe Dante all show up at some point in this movie. Another technical note you may find valuable is that it is one of the first films to use the morphing technique with its visual effects. Also, for some reason Enya is on the soundtrack. "Sleepwalkers" is definitely one of the strangest horror movies of the 90s, and your ticket to bad fun. I don't think this film takes itself too seriously, and you shouldn't either.

*2 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

"HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER"

I haven't been able to update the blog for awhile due to a birthday, school, sickness, and all sorts of things. But I'm back and with a vengeance, Henry's vengeance that is. "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" is the kind of movie this blog was made for. Controversy, obscurity, infamy, you name it, Henry has owned it. The film follows troubled Henry (masterfully played by the amazing Michael Rooker "Mallrats" and "Slither"), based on the true life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. He loves to kill people, even sometimes bringing along his trashy roommate Otis (Tom Towles - B Movie Icon "Night of The Living Dead" remake and "Blood In Blood Out"). When Otis' sister moves in though, we get to see glimpses of humanity in Henry. Is it enough to save him?

Basically this film is mostly known for being controversial. It is actually a really good movie, so much so that it got top honors from Siskel and Ebert. Sadly, it will mostly be known for it's battle with our mortal enemy the MPAA. They gave the film an X-rating and it was released 3 years after it's filming, but luckily director John McNaughton kept his vision intact and didn't tame the movie down. This low budget sensation is an original gem that must be viewed to understand. I still haven't quite come across a movie like it. Some present day movies may outdo it in violence and despicable acts, but none quite have the aura and atmosphere of "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer".

*3 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*