u/breedknight

Man, I can't remember the countless times I've seen this on my old CRT tv with my old VHS copy of this movie. I can still name each characters from Jen and Kira the two remaining Geflings together with their pet Fizzgig, my favorite character Aughra, to the evil ruling of the Skesis and their minions of Garthim creatures. And so much more! I'm so glad I got the Blu-ray / 4k version of it and it was beautiful.

While watching this, I can't think enough of the masterful and talented people who is behind it all. Jim Henson (may he RIP) and Frank Oz. Both are master innovator, visionary artist, and creative genius who completely revolutionized puppetry. We grew up watching Sesame Streets and this one just hits the spot.

The setting is beautiful, from exterior and landscape scenes shot on location across the set. And from what I've heard they shot the location in UK. My favorite part is where Jen found Kira at the primarily points to the lush, bizarre, and dangerous forested ecosystems of the planet Thra. Everything is authentic made by a visual artists Brian Froud. Any species are made by hand with animatronics movements and puppetry.

Yeah some modern audiences may not like it. Some say it looks "goofy" since we're living in the age of modern CGI and using green screens to fake environment. But to me and to all the kids back then, this was revolutionary. Everything were real! Simple fantasy story (well there are some dark parts to it) with groundbreaking animatronics, puppetry, and practical special effects.

In Japanese "Shichinin no Samurai" 七人の侍

Contains Spoiler below.

I've seen this movie for the 2nd time now. The more I watched it, the more I appreciate every single details on this film. It's beautiful, depressing, haunting, and has one of the most unforgettable comradery of brotherhood I've seen on screen.

It's beautiful, presented in black and white. The landscapes of Izu Peninsula where they build the farm village set. To the beautiful rivers of Shizouka. The wide array of shots while the wind blows by thru flowers and trees were fascinating to watch.

The first parts of the film were kind of depressing where the villagers are struggling to survive against bandit outrage. All they need is a protection. You can see emotions on their faces while the struggle to recruit one of those Samurais. Even the slightest grain of rice is important.

Then the Samurai assembled. As they go along, living in the village of the peasants. This is where act II focuses much. There's training, a story of romance, and more Kikuchiyo silliness. That's right! He's pretty much the star of this film (played by Toshiro Mifune). Dude's fearless! Despite of all the death and tragedy, he's always the one who changes the mood, gives laugh, hopes to the people. Mifune is just too good in this film! And credit to all other actors who gave tremendous performances.

A really well written, constructed Kurusawa movie. It's lengthy yes, but I was into every scenes of this film. Like I said this movie is not for everyone. It's not even my favorite genre but I enjoyed this one as well. If you're open to classics like this, then get this on your collection. I have the criterion version might as well get this one. A must see, a must have.

As long time follower of the series I'm just glad Connery is back in "Diamonds are Forever" after a one movie hiatus. Sadly this was his last official Eon Productions film as Bond. Though he came back in "Never say Never Again" in the 83 in a independent non-Eon Bond movie. This is probably the weakest entry of the Sean Connery lead Bond series IMO. Much more tackle.

May contains spoilers below.

Well aside from its budget, I was thinking why these producers can't take it up a notch when it comes to the film's budget. I mean it's the one of the biggest if not the biggest franchises ever. You know fans wanted more from Ian Fleming's spy thriller and it's always jam packed in theaters. I mean those cheap explosions from Helis to submarines to the nuclear silos, and it feels like everything is rushed. Maybe the pacing, like for example when Bond was just talking to Mr. Whyte about Blofeld's plans, then the next scene, he was already on that plane invading Blofeld's oilrig. I'm not sure if it is badly edited or what, but compared to the previous entries, I thought those films are very well constructed chapter per chapter. Ok I get it they're trying to fit it into the whole 2 hours, but they should get rid of some convoluted scenes instead of those important ones that connects to the more important scenes if that makes sense.

The Bond girl in this film, well she's beautiful as Tiffany Case (Jill st. John) but she's probably the weakest Bond girl compared to the previous ones IMO. Again they change the casting for the main villain Blofeld. Charles Gray as Blofeld I thought, he did a very magnificent job. The thing is they changed the actor for like 3 times already at this point. As for Connery as James Bond, he did alright he's still the right man for the job when it comes to this role. Oh there are two new villains here Mr Kidd and Mr Wint. Well, they are subpar when it terms to Bond villians more like over the top characters.

I do have my favorite parts in this movie. The car chase scenes in Vegas where Bond and Ms. Case in a Ford Mustang chased by a group of police cars. I thought that was badass. Fun fact, the stunt man who did the jump from the parking lot over the parked cars was Bill Hickman, the same stunt driver who drove the Charger in Bullitt and the Pontiac in The French Connection. The close encounter fight scene at the elevator against Peter Frank, reminds me of that train fight scene in "From Russia with Love" that is really well choreographed! And the music, the song Diamonds are Forever. I mean you can't go wrong when Shirley Bassey performed a James Bond intro. From Goldfinger to DAF, one of the most powerful, dynamic voices you'll ever hear.

Despite its flaws, it is still one of the most successful Bond films ever. From a budget of 7.2m and it generates 116m, I mean how big is that in the 70s. If adjusted for inflation, it is still in the top 10 highest gross Bond films of all time.

Speaking of the golden era of cinema from 1940's to the late 60's. One film that stuck on my mind, is this magnificent film called "The Great Escape" from 1963. It's not just one of the best WWII films that has come out, it is one of the best "prison escape" movies of all time. The first time I saw this film was a double feature near in our hometown in some local theater. I remember it was more like a Steve McQueen tribute double feature with Bullitt and this movie. Me and my pops enjoyed the heck of this film and we have a great time. It was a nail biting experience throughout and watching it again still have the same feeling. What a thriller till the end! One of those movies that stand the test of its time and definitely up there to my top 5 favorite movies of all time.

May contains spoiler below.

One thing that stands out to me were the characterization played by some of the most brilliant casts. My favorite duo were Hilts "the cooler" King (Steve McQueen) and Ives (Angus Lennie). Man every time they tried to escape, they always got caught and put them in a prison called "the cooler". It's so funny like some of their escapes were intentional. You got Danny (Charles Bronson) and Willie (John Leyton) some called them the tunnel king as they were the one who mastermind and execute the heavy underground digging for the prison camp breakout. Colin Blythe played by Donald Pleasence together with Bob Hendley played by James Garner. Blythe is a mild-mannered forger who suffers from progressive, severe nearsightedness as Hendley is the one who guides him especially on those scenes in the final act. And my favorite performance by Richard Attenborough as Bartlett, he and the other 49 members in that tragic final act.

Every scenes, every conversation, every comradery, and every association as band of brothers in this film. Has a meaningful and deep impact to me. I remember working somewhere in the middle east were we stayed at the same camp for 3 years in the middle of the desert. It was the most fun and some of the best companionship of brothers that I had experience which still to this day, the reason why this movie is so important to me.

Before I forget, that iconic Steve McQueen motorcycle jump scene. He's just so badass. He is called the king of cool for a reason! He is still my favorite actor of all time.

Watched this movie again, reminds me, how freaking good were the 80's fantasy films back then. First saw this in a cable TV way back, and it mesmerized me right away. I remember waiting for that dragon to come out, anticipated for its appearance. The creature looks menacing! Back in the day, there's only a handful of well made fantasies that has better production. This delivers all the goods of what a dark fantasy film should look like. This is way before CGI's.

May contains spoiler below.

It started slow, introducing a bunch of characters. You have this old sorcerer but later it was his apprentice who leads the way, who later is the "Dragonslayer" himself. More like a kingdom wants to get rid of the dragon that was haunting them for centuries. Story wise, it's not really engaging with any drastic climax. What really blew me away were the practical effects especially how they made that Dragon looks. It feels alive and authentic. Yeah sure there are some noticeable poorly aged special effects here and there (that part were the dragon moves around, flies beyond the skies). But I mean for an early 80's movie 1981 to be exact, this was mind-blowing back then. The last scenes of the final act is my favorite. Imagine a Dragon against the sorcerer at the cliff of the mountain, to the skies and beyond, while waiting his apprentice waited to destroy that amulet amidst the thunderstorm. It is that epic.

Speaking of epic, the cinematography is just beautiful in this film. You got wide array of shots from the landscapes across Wales and Scotland, sweeping mountain vistas and dramatic shots. To the dragon's lair with huge rocks and caves.

I've seen people asking for suggestions what are those dark fantasy films that has a nostalgic of classic 80's style. I mean there's a bunch to choose when it comes to 80's dark fantasies. But this one should be on the top of that list. I'd rather choose this film, than any of the over the top, with exaggerating green screen effects and CGI's any day.

While watching this film again, it reminds me of that certain William Friedkin interview were he describe the action scenes especially the car chase scenes on Bullitt 1968. He was so inspired on that film that he want to replicate some part of it. But in all of its fairness, this movie features that car to train chase scene, that scene is one of the most intense car chases I've seen on film. Every time Gene Hackman maneuvers that steering wheel and rams to the cars while driving intensely, it's almost real and authentic. So surreal and I'm loving it.

The movie starts in a slow paced, more like a strong neo-noir style, introduced the heavily involved organized crime, specifically the Corsican Mafia (Unione Corse) in France working alongside the American Mafia in the United States. While the detectives starts investigating. Starring Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle played by Gene Hackman and Det. Buddy Russo played by Roy Scheider. Man they are so good in this movie both are some of my favorite actors in the 70's. Again, the cat and mouse scenes are some of my favorites in this movie. Every time one of those mafia guys comes out, it's always intense. Specifically that moment where Popeye (Gene Hackman) stalks that mafia guy Alain till the subway section. With a little bye at the end which is hilarious. I mean scenes like this really stands out in the film.

If you love these kind of films, I'd recommend a double feature combined it with films like Bullitt 1968, The Seven-Ups (1973), or even the Dirty Harry series. Heck even Serpico (1973) would be a great double feature with The French Connection. Definitely a must see essential films of the 70s

Speaking of 80's B-Movies, this is definitely one that I had one in mind. I haven't watched the whole Ninja series or Revenge of the Ninja (maybe a glimpse of scenes in some cable channel). I picked this one up cause I remember watching it in a double feature in a local theater. Reason I picked it up again, this one's more interesting, mixed of horror and action. Sure you can put it to "it's so bad but it is so good" category though I have a great time watching this film.

To sum it up, it's ninjas meets Flashdance meets Exorcists meets Poltergeist with a love story like "An American Werewolf in London" sort of. Some scenes feels like a fever dream really. I remember I have a huge crush on the female lead though, Lucinda Dickey. I first saw her in Breakin 2 and I thought she is really cute with a nice build. I think she really fits in action movies like this. Too bad she really has the potential to be an action star in the 80s.

If you're a fan of midnight Cinemax B-movies like me, pick this one up. It's a bit of everything from over the top ninja action to horror and have a good time. You can't go wrong with that. Definitely a certified cult classic.

I've seen a lot of posts asking a recommendation of what is the most 80's movie to watch. Of all the 80's films that I've seen? This one is definitely on the top of that list. I remember the first time I watched this was on a VCR, been renting under the radar titles and saw this tape. I can see why it has a cult status. Not just that, it's also a really good B movie. I'm not surprised it was a huge success from a 700k budget earning 14.4 million in the box office. Pretty solid huh.

First of, the movie soundtrack are bangers. Like somebody turned on that radio playing on the FM station with some really good 80's music! The film's setting and atmosphere, from empty streets to the wide shots of the city, to the red gloomy skies. The cinematography is fantastic. The main characters are so fun to watch. Especially the two sisters Regina and Samantha. And from what I've heard on their interviews they are having fun on the set. The plot is just simple, you got teens fighting for survival and you got the evil scientists in the end. Common for a horror film for sure, but it was executed really well, it's easy to watch no bs whatsoever.

If this film got a decent budget with better production or maybe produced by Spielberg or something, this would be a huge box office hit in the 80s. It's just a pretty well made B-movie 80s flick and solid overall.

What I love about the Dollars trilogy is you don't need to have a continuous narrative or original production plan just like the other series of trilogies. I mean from a legendary Italian director himself Sergio Leone widely regarded as a master director and a visionary genius who completely reinvented the Western genre.

Now to the film I should say it's more ambitious this time, it's a western drama in the midst of a Civil war. Of course notable performances by Eli Wallach as Tuco with some over the top but so fun to watch acting performance. And you got Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef I mean just by watching their aura alone will make any movie good whether its western or some plain drama, they are just too good. And the cinematography is just beautiful, 

Now I might get hate on this, I mean this movie is received the most, probably top 1 in the whole trilogy for some obvious reasons. Now if you ask me, If I would to rank it I'd probably say this is the my least favorite in the whole Dollars trilogy. I'm not complaining by the length of the film, but I just don't like the pacing compared to the previous entries. I'm also not a fan of the plot. I'm not gonna spoiled it but I noticed a lot of breaks whether the scene needs to move on or not. The plot's getting convoluted at some point. It's like I'm used to the other 2 entries that has a real villain. Just like El Indio or Ramon Rojo played both by the one and only Gian Maria Volonté, he is so damn good on those roles. He is probably in my top 5 movie villains of all time one of my favorite actors to play as a villain. Don't get me wrong I still love this movie even compared to some of the western movies I've seen. I think this is one of those films that deserves a re-watch as it's getting better and better in time. I mean the whole Dollar Trilogy is timeless.

I remember back in the day, while watching this film on a VCR, I have a vivid memory when my dad told a story on how they hated the new casting of 007 when they finally announced it on the news papers. He was like "nah not a fan of the new guy" I was like hmm yeah that is understandable. Now I finally have my collection, watch this particular movie the other night, I thought he was kinda right but to be fair, Lazenby isn't trying too hard to be Sean Connery whatsoever. He has his own style, he has this swag, and I heard he was a model like he knows his fashion. But, I mean Sean Connery is Sean Connery you just can't top that. And there's this scene where he's doing his thing to Ms. Moneypenny. I mean I already miss the Connery and Moneypenny connection on that scene. 

The movie is beautiful. You can see the range of wide shots cinematography from places like UK or Switzerland (where Blofeld's base is located). I noticed also that they're going back to its roots where simplicity is the key. They cut all the spectacles compared to the previous Bond films like "You Only Live Twice" or "Thunderball". Another thing is they decided that the whole opening soundtrack will be instrumental which is alright I can still dig it.

As for the movie, well the first quarter of the film looks intense as I expected and as I always wanted for a Bond film, but the middle act is just slow and drags along where he enters Blofeld's place trying to help these girls. It's not just for me. But the final act is where the fun starts. That moment where Bond and Draco attacks Blofeld's base with chopper's and backups with submachine guns trying to rescue Tracy. I really enjoyed that scene one of my favorite moments in the whole franchise. 

As a casual fan of the franchise, you might love or hate it. For me it is just the right amount of Bond, meaning not my favorite, but I still enjoyed it. To those who read Fleming's books like those die hard Bond enthusiast, well I think you just found your perfect Bond movie.

Johnny Rico and Dizzy Flores reunite 😍

Not my favorite of all the Sean Connery Bond film, but still one of the best Bond films out there. It has the memorable submarine fight scene ever produced in a film. And as far as I remember, the first Bond film shot 2.35:1 (anamorphic widescreen) which is really cool. The filming location on this one especially the scenes in Bahamas is one my favorite. It's a beautiful Bond film to look at.

Overall, it's uneven, with stumbling yet progressing filming technique compared to previous and later entries, the villain doesn't make too much of an impression, and the writing is merely okay. But the visuals are great-the underwater sequences still wow today, and the technology on display must have been really impressive at the time. And the hydrofoil speedboat-yacht was still very cool. Fiona Volpe, Claudine Auger, and Connery are all striking and beautiful physical specimens far on the ontogenous hypermasculine and hyperfeminine ends of the scale, and, while the characters are all rather two dimensional, and Volpe's acting somewhat questionable at times, Auger's elegant air of sophistication with latent sex appeal, and charming voice elevate the character. The Bahamian setting really felt like a muted backdrop, with little to speak of in the way of cultural representation of people or places, and almost entirely relegated to island-dotted ocean scenes, tourist dives, and one scene taking place around a parade float mostly populated with blondes, possibly shot in England.

Probably somewhere shooting in the Bahamas.

RIP to both actors.

This is one of those unforgettable watch for me back in the days where I still rent some of the old VHS tapes. The first time I watched it was the uncensored version and I was like "okay here comes some old b movie slasher from 70s" But then the plot thickens, then the it became a hard watch for me. I was like "no way they did it!". And there's no music whatsoever but oh the violence in this one is just gruesome to be honest.

The early scenes of intimidation like the harassment at the lake and the bikini being thrown into the water are difficult to sit through because the movie refuses to look away. Whether you think that approach is effective or excessive, it's clear the film wants the audience to feel trapped alongside its protagonist rather than entertained by the cruelty.

When the violence finally arrives, the practical effects hold up well and give the revenge sequences real impact. They're blunt, nasty, and convincing without relying on flashy tricks.

An important but deeply uncomfortable piece of exploitation cinema. It's worth experiencing for its place in horror history and its uncompromising style, but it's never an easy watch. More respect than enjoyment, and that's exactly what the film seems to be aiming for.

Just watched again "For a few Dollars More 1965" and reason why Col. Mortimer is one of my favorite western characters out there. He's just badass especially when he does this stance. And played by Lee Van Cleef, I mean you can't get any better than that.

"Question me not, Malachai! I act according to His will."

Hate it or not, I thought this slasher horror is not bad IMO. I had a fine memory watching this movie as a kid, I remember watching this with my cousins and close neighbor friends like we talk with each other like we're part of that group of kids. Years later, decided to get the Blu-ray and I thought the picture quality is really good like the atmosphere of the landscape, the wind blows into the cornfields, I freaking love what they did remastering the movie.

As for the movie I can see were the negatives are. It is that low budget that in the end invited so much negative criticism: The bad, really cheesy graphics effects, the rushed ending, the bad acting by some actors. Story-wise it is - on the other hand - really strong. It is mostly suspense, and less explicit graphics, it had an - for that time - inspired new idea, it paved the way for children as the evil creatures of horror movies; all points to take into consideration. And talking about bad actors: There are also really good ones, such as Linda Hamilton, who seems to be too good (and kind of untapped as she is capable of so much more) to be in this movie.

So in the end I am torn between a high rating that deserves a cult classic that has inspired many other movies to come and the low rating of a dated movie that leans towards being a bit boring and cheesy. I still believe it is worth at least having seen it once.

While I'm not really a huge Hitchcock fan per se, I thought this film is one of my favorites from his works. It's still one of the finest piece of cinema ever been made given how its referenced many times in history and now. Ok first of all I was amused by the performances of the actors.

Such a fun and entertaining thriller. It took me less than 10 minutes and I was already invested in the mystery and the characters. Cary Grant is excellent, he has on-screen charm and his character has an instantly likable personality. The story feels natural, there's barely anything that feels forced and it gets even better when Eve (Eva Marie Saint) makes her appearance. The two sure have chemistry and I couldn't stop smiling at their back and forths, brilliant dialogue and comedy. The mother character was so funny, the elevator scene was peak comedy. Grant's drunk impression is one of the best I've seen. It's a good looking movie but there's a few visuals that didn't age well like any scene inside a car for example. The first two acts are great but it lost a bit of heat for me in the third act, it just felt like Eve took too much space in the story at that point. That said, it gets back into full suspense mode once Grant's character spies on the house and it doesn't let up until the very end.

From the performance of Cary Grant, James Mason, Martin Landau, and Eve Marie Saint to the settings, its just amazing and you could just look at the auction scene for example to demonstrate Grant's performance. Bernard Herrmann score is wonderful to listen to and love how it adapts to the suspense of scenes and combined with good cinematography. It's still one of the greatest films ever made and highly recommend to watch for those who like thriller action adventure type films.

Now some people didn't like how it ends I see people called it rushed, it could've been longer but I mean it is abrupt but that's intentional and not at all unusual for Hitchcock. I don't think I'd call it "rushed"; more like he let the movie end naturally when he ran out of story. Some modern filmmakers could take a lesson from that.

Man, this is one of those films that is so exhausting to watch which I think they did a really great job on it. Was into the family drama with kids and wife affair. And the second half of the film is where the horror starts. It's probably one of those claustrophobic, high-anxiety survival thrillers I've ever seen like okay, you got to blame that rabid dog, but I was also blaming the father for being slow lol. Anyways they cut so many important parts compared to the book from what I've heard. Which leads me to get a copy of the book soon. Great watch!