"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*

80's MONTH: "THE WRAITH"

"The Wraith" is just plain cool. Everything about it; car chases, the actors, 80's babes, action, science fiction, teenagers who look 25, cool soundtrack, the list goes on. It is a personal favorite of mine and well, should be of anyone who has the honor of watching it. Charlie Sheen plays new guy in town who's beefing with the leader of a racing gang and hitting it off with the town hotty, who the gang leader is enamored with. At the same time a mysterious car appears and wreaks havoc among the racing gang, while they want the special car for their own needs.

I downloaded the soundtrack the other day just because it is THAT awesome. You also have a lot of familiar faces here. Charlie Sheen before he hit it huge with "Platoon" but not before making appearances in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "Red Dawn" and "Lucas". Sherilyn Fenn is also extremely young here. You may remember her as the strange beauty of "Twin Peaks" or even the chopped up Helena in Death of the B-Movie reviewed "Boxing Helena". Another B-movie staple, Clint Howard, brother of Ron Howard has a role he was made to play. Rounding out the excellent cast is Randy Quaid and Nick Cassavetes as the lead villain. Who is Nick Cassavetes the actor you ask? Oh, only the man who directed "The Notebook" and "Alpha Dog" if you can believe that. This will probably be my last 80's month review and it also comes along with my highest recommendation of the bunch. See it now!

*3 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

80's MONTH: "THE HITCHER"

If there is one thing I've learned since my birth in the 80's, it is that Rutger Hauer rules! C. Thomas Howell might be a whiney bitch in this movie, and Jennifer Jason Leigh isn't anything like she was in "Fast Times At Ridgemont High", but Hauer steals the show as the ultimate badass. Really can this guy go wrong? Especially in the 80's; "Blade Runner", "Ladyhawke", and so on. Basically this is one of the best car chase thrillers out there. C. Thomas Howell picks up hitch hiker John Ryder one night where he soon after finds out that Ryder is a lunatic. He eventually ditches Ryder, but only for the time being. Ryder makes his life a living hell, killing everyone around him on his journey to California, even framing him for his murders.

This is another film that was unnecessarily remade, and PLEASE avoid the remake. It doesn't have any of the suspense or originality of this film. There are some great non CGI effects and action, plus a cool 80's soundtrack and atmosphere ala "Near Dark". "The Hitcher" can only be described as exciting. From the beginning you are in it, and there are even some twists that make for it to not be cliche. This may be an 80's classic, but it still works today. Check it out if you haven't already.

*3 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

80's MONTH: "THE GATE"

Recently re-released on DVD, "The Gate" is some good 80's cheese I wanted to re-live. Another classic of my childhood, "The Gate" defies logic and goes straight for fun instead. A young boy and his friend unleash hell upon earth through a hole in their backyard. The parents leave the kids at home for the weekend and the teenage daughter throws a party. From there, demonic things start to happen, well in a 6th grade kind of demonic way.

Anytime you get claymation mini demons and an 80's metal soundtrack, you will get my approval. Along with the cool 80's suburban setting, this is a fun film to check out if you haven't already. Lost somewhere between a kid's movie and a horror movie, "The Gate" is what you might consider as a part of the nostalgia genre. It might be hard for children not of the 80s/early 90s to fully appreciate this film, but whatever fuck them anyways. If you like fun horror and semi-innocent entertainment, check it out. This is also Stephen Dorff's film debut, you may not recognize him as a little kid, but you may be very well acquainted with his adult career ("Blade", "Cecil B. Demented", and "Public Enemies").

*3 Lance Approvals*

80's MONTH: "SOME GIRLS"

"Some Girls" seems like your typical 80's teen movie at first, but it really isn't. Patrick Dempsey is at college and in love with Jennifer Connelly. He goes back home with her for Christmas break where she breaks up with him and he is stuck to deal with her naked father, religious uptight mother, and 3 crazy sisters. Along for the ride is an aging Grandmother who mistakes him for her lover and thus you have the basic overview of the film. The family and even the house they live in is very unique. You could describe them as intellectuals, but also insane. Young Pat must find a way to fit in and not go bananas at the same time.

I've always been somewhat torn when it comes to this film. Obviously you are going to get some 80's fun with anything involving Patrick Dempsey, but there are some things that annoy me here. The film is extremely quirky, in the sense that a lot of newer "Hollywood Indie" movies are. If you like strange people and artistic weirdos, this film at least did it first before the slew of ridiculous indie movies to come out recently. Also, the point of view strays at points. Obviously Patrick is the focus, but we also get Granny's point of view and a strange shift in the way characters treat each other. This film is somewhat a mess, but an interesting mess at least. This is not one of those movies where you can predict what happens next or what will be said next involving the script. If you want more stereotypical 80's go with Patrick Dempsey's "Can't Buy Me Love", if you want something a little more out of norm, go with the often forgotten "Some Girls".

*2 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*