FOLLOWING FILMS

Released in 1986, Trick or Treat directed by Charles Martin Smith, is a film that blends horror, hair metal, and teen angst, ultimately becoming a cult classic over the years. The movie, set against the backdrop of a mid-80s heavy(ish) metal scene, explores themes of revenge, the supernatural, and the power of music, all wrapped up in a Halloween setting. While Trick or Treat may not have been a major hit upon release, its unique mix of horror and music, combined with a memorable performance by a rising star, has earned it a cherished place in the hearts of horror and metal fans alike. The plot centers around Eddie Weinbauer (Marc Price), a high school outcast and passionate fan of the late rock star Sammi Curr (Tony Fields). Eddie's life takes a dark turn when Sammi dies in a fire under mysterious circumstances, only for Eddie to discover that Sammi’s spirit is still very much alive—and using his music to exact revenge on those who wronged him in life. With the help of Sammi’s mus...

Few films in Al Pacino’s career have been as controversial as Cruising (1980). Directed by William Friedkin, best known for The French Connection (1971) and The Exorcist (1973), Cruising is a psychological thriller that explores the underground leather and S&M subculture of New York City in the late 1970s. The film was met with strong backlash from LGBTQ+ activists upon its release, who feared it perpetuated negative stereotypes about gay men. At the same time, it was a commercial curiosity due to Pacino’s involvement and Friedkin’s track record. Four decades later, Cruising remains a complex and fascinating artifact of its time. The film follows Steve Burns (Al Pacino), a young and ambitious NYPD officer tasked with going undercover in the gay leather bar scene to catch a serial killer targeting gay men. Burns, who is in a relationship with Nancy (Karen Allen), immerses himself in the subculture and soon finds his identity and sense of morality challenged. As he delves deeper, the...

Alice, Sweet Alice (1976), directed by Alfred Sole, is a chilling and atmospheric psychological horror film that has cemented its place as a cult classic. Released during a golden age of slasher films, this movie stands out for its unsettling blend of religious imagery, family dysfunction, and brutal violence. With its eerie cinematography, effective performances, and shocking twists, Alice, Sweet Alice remains an underrated gem in the horror genre. This review delves into the film’s story, themes, technical aspects, and its lasting impact. Set in 1961 New Jersey, Alice, Sweet Alice centers around a deeply dysfunctional Catholic family. The narrative follows Alice Spages (Paula Sheppard), a troubled 12-year-old girl who exhibits signs of jealousy and aggression toward her younger sister, Karen (Brooke Shields, in her film debut). Karen is the favorite child, beloved by their mother, Catherine (Linda Miller), and adored by the local priest, Father Tom (Rudolph Willrich). However, during...

"Wicked," the 2024 film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, has been one of the most anticipated cinematic events in recent years. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his work on "Crazy Rich Asians," the film brings to life the untold story of the witches of Oz, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale. With a star-studded cast, including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, "Wicked" aims to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Set in the magical land of Oz, "Wicked" explores the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, a green-skinned outcast with extraordinary magical abilities, and Glinda, a popular and ambitious sorcery student. The narrative delves into their personal journeys, societal expectations, and the events leading to Elphaba's transformation into the "Wicked Witch of the West" and Glinda's rise as the "Good Witch." The film explores themes such as prejudice, power, ...

Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" is a masterclass in filmmaking. It is a bold reimagining of history that blends dark humor, tension, and unforgettable characters into an exhilarating and thought-provoking experience. Released in 2009, the film offers a unique take on World War II, exploring themes of revenge, identity, and the power of cinema itself. Set in Nazi-occupied France, the film intertwines multiple storylines, the most prominent being that of a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the "Basterds," led by the ruthless Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt). The Basterds are on a mission to inflict terror on the Nazis, with their brutal tactics designed to instill fear and garner retribution for the atrocities committed against Jews during the Holocaust. Their paths cross with Shoshanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a Jewish woman who escapes a massacre and later becomes the owner of a Parisian cinema, where she plans her own act of vengeance aga...

Released in 2000, The Cell , directed by Tarsem Singh and featuring Jennifer Lopez, Vince Vaughn, and Vincent D'Onofrio, is a psychological thriller that blurs the lines between horror, science fiction, and psychological drama. The film presents an intriguing concept: a groundbreaking technology that allows a psychologist to enter the mind of a comatose patient to uncover the whereabouts of a serial killer. While the premise is compelling, it is the film's execution—both visually and thematically—that leaves a lasting impact. The film begins with a prologue that introduces us to a young boy, locked in a cage, who experiences a nightmarish world within the mind of a serial killer, played by D'Onofrio. As the story unfolds, we learn that FBI agent Peter Novak (Vince Vaughn) is investigating the disappearance of a woman, linked to the deranged killer, who has put his victims into a comatose state. Enter Catherine Deane (Jennifer Lopez), a psychologist who uses an experimental ...

In the annals of cult cinema, few films elicit as much intrigue and confusion as Incubus (1966), a supernatural horror film that stars none other than Star Trek legend William Shatner in a decidedly different role than audiences were accustomed to. Directed by the underrated Leslie Stevens, Incubus is a strange, atmospheric blend of Gothic horror, eroticism, and psychological dread. It may not be the easiest film to digest, but its unique place in cinematic history, as well as its use of an experimental technique, has cemented it as a fascinating curio in Shatner's illustrious career. The plot of Incubus is as bizarre and haunting as the movie itself. Set in an unnamed Eastern European village, the film follows a man named Charles (Shatner), a sensitive but troubled priest, who becomes entangled in a series of strange events surrounding the mysterious and supernatural force of an incubus—an evil demon who is believed to sexually prey on its victims. As the townsfolk are increasingl...

The history of film has seen countless tales of terror, but few have stood the test of time like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. This silent-era milestone, directed by Robert Wiene and released in 1920, is more than just a relic of German Expressionism; it’s a monument to the enduring power of storytelling through atmosphere, artistry, and ambition. Over a century later, this psychotropic dive into madness, authority, and murder remains as potent and relevant as ever—a beacon of visual innovation and a forebear of the psychological thriller and horror genres. At its heart, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a tale of obsession and manipulation. The film opens with Francis (Friedrich Fehér), our unreliable narrator, recounting a chilling sequence of events in the sleepy town of Holstenwall. The arrival of Dr. Caligari (Werner Krauss), a traveling carnival showman, coincides with a string of mysterious murders. Caligari exhibits a somnambulist named Cesare (Conrad Veidt), a pallid figure who al...

Released in 1988, Ghoulies II is the second installment in the Ghoulies franchise, which carved a niche for itself in the mid-to-late '80s as a series of campy, low-budget horror comedies. Directed by Albert Band and following the modest success of the original Ghoulies (1985), this sequel manages to lean further into the absurdity and charm of its titular creatures while delivering a story that embraces its status as a schlocky B-movie. For fans of creature features and cult classics, Ghoulies II is an entertaining ride that delivers exactly what one might expect: mischievous, slimy monsters causing chaos, this time in the whimsical setting of a traveling carnival. Ghoulies II follows Larry (Damon Martin) and his uncle, Ned (Royal Dano), as they transport a haunted house attraction called "Satan’s Den" to a struggling carnival. Along the way, they unknowingly bring along a group of ghoulies—grotesque, mischievous creatures unleashed from an abandoned Satanic ritual site....

Abel Ferrara’s The Addiction (1995) is a haunting and cerebral exploration of human nature, morality, and the overwhelming power of addiction, cloaked in the allegorical trappings of a vampire film. Clocking in at a taut 82 minutes, the film eschews conventional horror tropes to deliver an existential meditation on sin, self-destruction, and redemption. Its moody black-and-white cinematography and philosophical musings make it a standout entry in both Ferrara’s filmography and the vampire genre at large. At its core, The Addiction follows Kathleen Conklin (played by Lili Taylor), a New York City philosophy graduate student, whose life takes a nightmarish turn after she is attacked and bitten by a mysterious woman (Annabella Sciorra) late one night. This encounter marks the beginning of Kathleen’s transformation into a vampire—a shift that mirrors her descent into addiction. What sets The Addiction apart is its treatment of vampirism not as a supernatural curse or gothic romance, but as...

Released in 1993, Demolition Man is a science fiction action film directed by Marco Brambilla, starring Sylvester Stallone as tough-guy cop John Spartan, Wesley Snipes as the anarchistic criminal Simon Phoenix, and Sandra Bullock as the naive but well-meaning Officer Lenina Huxley. At first glance, the movie appears to be a typical action flick of the early 1990s, brimming with explosions, gunfights, and one-liners. However, a deeper look reveals a satirical exploration of societal norms, culture clashes, and the potential pitfalls of utopian ideals. The movie cleverly blends high-octane action with sharp humor and thought-provoking commentary, making it more than just another entry in Stallone’s action repertoire. Set in a dystopian future, Demolition Man begins in 1996, where Spartan apprehends Phoenix after a catastrophic hostage situation. Both are cryogenically frozen as part of their sentences, only to be awakened decades later in 2032. By this time, society has transformed into ...

James Cameron's The Terminator is a sci-fi action masterpiece that redefined its genre and became a cultural touchstone. Released in 1984 on a modest budget, the film’s raw, unpolished aesthetic, combined with its relentless pacing and groundbreaking storytelling, helped establish the careers of its director, its lead actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and its distinctive brand of dystopian action. A tale of survival and the human spirit in the face of unstoppable technological menace, The Terminator is more than just a movie — it’s a statement of cinematic ingenuity. At its heart, The Terminator is a taut survival thriller wrapped in a science fiction narrative. The premise is deceptively simple: a cyborg assassin, the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 by an artificial intelligence system called Skynet. Its mission is to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), a seemingly ordinary woman destined to give birth to humanity’s savior, John Connor. Sent t...