Bubba Ho-Tep

I do apologize for the brief lateness of this review, it took me ages to find it and yesterday was hectic. But let's get started on what may be the best horror film I've reviewed this year.

Damn man, that was a great movie. I don't think Bubba Ho-Tep is a great horror film, it's a great film period. And for a story about Elvis Presley and President Kennedy fighting a mummy in a stetson and cowboy boots, it's all that entails and more. It's a B-movie plot but the way it's handled is what really makes this movie special. It stars Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis, as elderly past icons living in a retirement home where no one believes they say who they are and pretty soon there's a mummy about. Why does he have a cowboy hat and boots? Beats the hell out of me, but the mummy is the most underrated monster that deserves more love and attention in my humble opinion so I don't even care. It's all a part of the style of the film, and everything works because of the writing and acting. You don't actually see the mummy much, only about 4 times including the climax, but what makes the movie great is the performance of Bruce Campbell. Now he's always done a fine job in his roles but I'll be damned if I didn't say this was his best role, and I'll stand by that to my dying day. The story focuses a lot more on how Elvis got to the retirement home and his surprisingly deep and philosophical musings and thoughts. I'm serious man if there wasn't any supernatural whatsit's going on and just focused on these two characters I wouldn't mind a bit. He thinks about his past life, his decisions, his regrets, how much time he's spent stuck in a bed, and it's really something special. I can't really explain it, though the film is a comedy it's not afraid to ask some questions about life and it's handled seriously with sincere acting. It's easily the best part of the entire movie and it would take me ages to say how much I truly love it. But it's not just the writing, it's shot very well, the editing is a bit odd but it's nothing that will hurt your enjoyment, the cast is small but the performances of our leads just knock it out of the park. I also recognized a few things related to other mummy movies, the film takes place in East Texas which is already pretty great cause that's where I'm from but it ain't the first mummy movie to take place in the south, the Universal Mummy movies centered around Kharis took place in Louisiana, and there's even more callbacks to that series. The tanna leaves are mentioned which is a key component for ressurecting the mummy, the best weapon of choice is fire, and a strangulation scene is much appreciated. You could honestly look past the horror aspects and see this film as a drama with some damn funny comedy in it, so even if this sounds like a ridiculous movie and it is, you shouldn't cast it aside. It has been awhile since I've seen something this great in terms of writing, this is an absolutely fantastic film which I couldn't recommend more if I tried. 4 stars, 8/10, this is a must see movie for horror fans or people with a good sense of humor or for those who just like a good story. And I can't even begin to say how sorry I am I didn't bring it to your attention sooner, watch this movie regardless of whether it's October or not, you owe it to yourself. Rent it, buy it, watch it, love it.

Army Of Darkness

Just what I needed after last night. So I was thinking of just how many damn sequels were coming out this year and ones I was gonna talk about, so I thought what are some sequels that are not well known or loved as much? So here we go.

Okay, Army Of Darkness. Classic cult movie made 5 years after the cliffhanger of Evil Dead 2, where Ash is stuck in medievel times having to retrieve the Necronomicon to get back to his own time while fighting an army of skeletons. It is as amazing as it sounds. You knew what blew my mind? You know, besides the quotability, good comedy, and great sets and effects? The movie is an hour and 15 minutes without credits. Hwhat? It's like...direct to video sequel, but awesome! I do love the evolution of it though, Evil Dead was straight up horror, Evil Dead 2 was horror comedy, and now we're at action comedy. Normally that does not bode well for a series, but it works here! And even despite it's more action forefront, the film never loses it's horror elements. They dig deep into the roots of gothic scenery in some instances, and the tension and sense of impending scares can still be found. The slapstick in my opinion is wonderful, Bruce Campbell gets to do so much both physically and come on, the lines are unforgettable. It does deserve more attention and love, I know it sounds far fetched, but I would not lie about a movie being good. Army Of Darkness is a lot of fun, it is fast, well done, good wit and acting is in it (though Bruce is the only person you will be able to name afterwards), it really is a diamond in the rough. Come on, you can spare barely over an hour of your life to judge for yourself. In other news, *BRIEF TANGENT ALERT* I am very excited to see Ash Vs. Evil Dead but it pisses me off at the same time. Why? Because it got cancelled 2 seasons in. Are you....breathe. Ffffffunkin' Family Guy can get to season 11 which is beyond bullshit already (and I got news for you pal, the only two things you got right now is Jack and shit. And Jack left town.) but Ash Vs. Evil Dead gets the ax 2 seasons in. And for all accounts I heard it was good, so why?? Why do the good die young? Ugh. This universe sucks.

Evil Dead 2

This movie is bat squeak insane.

I love Evil Dead 2 way more than the original Evil Dead for three reasons. One Bruce Campbell has gotten down his acting method which is made of pure awesome you just have to look at the scene in the work shed, it is surprisingly less scary and is way more comical, and last but not least the camera is still alive. Nearly every part of the original has been outdone, seeing as how this movie had a much better budget than the first one. The film is almost a parody of the first movie with outrageous amounts of blood and even a bit of slapstick but still treats itself seriously and still keeps the movie humorous. It also delves into a little of the psychological horror which I greatly appreciate and enjoy, like all this crazy stuff is happening in the cabin but all of a sudden shows Bruce Campbell just sitting in a chair screaming. My God this movie is bonkers and that is the best part. Also for some strange reason people have been considering this movie as a remake of the original. I kinda get why, but it has been explained that the first few opening minutes is a recap of the last movie but with different aspects to it so this film picks right up after the last one. This is a much more enjoyable horror movie than you would think, making it even more worth watching than the first. And the cliffhanger is great, but unfortunately I will not be reviewing Army Of Darkness just yet and it is due to my reasoning that Army Of Darkness is more of an action comedy not horror. So that is why I am excluding it from this month's reviews. So yeah definitely watch Evil Dead 2 even if you didn't like the first one that much.

Later this week, we shall continue to review some of the greatest cult monster movies of the 80's.

The Evil Dead

Jesus H. Christ, this movie is freaky scary.

Evil Dead is one of the creepiest, most well made horror movies ever, directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell. The film follows a group of young adults that go to a remote abandon cabin and soon discover that evil forces are brewing and it's up to them to survive. This movie scared me good, to the point where I didn't even want to look at it. I needed a strong drink to get through it. The acting is great, the atmosphere is fear inducing like no other, the music is eerie, and the best aspect that is the greatest part of the movie is the camera. The camera is alive. This is one of the most innovative and unconventional filming you will ever see in any movie except for the Evil Dead movies. Literally the first minute, the camera starts moving and unearthly so. I have no doubts in my mind that the camera in this movie is an entity. There is no way in hell that there is someone behind that camera, it moves too fast, too smooth over water, through the woods, glass and everything else. It creeps me out big time. The film is bloody as all get out to an almost comical degree, but the film is too scary to even notice how outrageous it all is. Bruce Campbell is really damn good in this movie, but he didn't discover his method of acting yet which I will talk about in the next review. And the ending....it goes exactly the way you think and then drops the hammer and ends. So bottom line, it's time to see The Evil Dead.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow where we look at the sequel.