Disney’s A Christmas Carol
Gorgeous adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is a 3D feast for the eyes. This slavishly faithful interpretation, is highlighted by effects so extraordinary, there are moments where it literally looks as if snow is falling in the theater. As recounted here, the story really takes its time and exhibits a dark moodiness, especially in […]
Altered States
Exhilarating psychological sci-fi about a university professor who encloses himself in a sensory-deprivation chamber and experiments with hallucinogenic drugs with drastic results. Seductively sets up a feeling of anticipation in the first half, then devolves into a rather amusingly ridiculous horror film in the second half. Filled with dreamlike images, stunning special effects and horrific […]
Freaks
Landmark cult film about the relationship between a long legged trapeze artist named Cleopatra and Hans, the dwarf she marries. Uncategorizable film is creepy and disturbing, but also touching and sweet. What makes this film so unique is director Tod Browning’s controversial step in casting real people with deformities as the so-called sideshow “freaks,” rather […]
The People Under The Stairs
Entertainingly campy horror film is the story of a boy who stumbles upon a group of strange people that have been locked away in the basement of an old house. Shlocky movie effectively blends comedy with scares for an uneven story. Director Wes Craven combines some compelling fantasy elements with a socially minded story about […]
Michael Jackson’s This Is It
Concert film documenting Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for the concert series which was to take place at the O2 Arena in London. We see the preparation of what clearly would have been an extraordinary show, but unfortunately a show that never materialized. Without the dazzle of the full concert spectacle or even the up close and […]
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant
Scattered fantasy about a sideshow vampire who turns a teenager into one of the undead. Film adaptation unwisely crams the first three books of Darren Shan’s book series into one film. As a result the film’s narrative lacks structure. The plot fluctuates throughout the course of the film. Is it horror, comedy, drama, or adventure? […]