Sad news, folks. I'm having to put a hold on my Summer of Sci Fi and epic exploration of tons of the awesome sub-genres, niche genres and genre mashing goodness. Originally I just delayed the marathon but I've realized it's just too much at the moment. I've never, ever, stopped a marathon, challenge or anything-a-thon once I've started our of the 16 I've participated in, led or done on my own over the years. Since I first announced the Summer of SciFi I've found out that I'll be moving smack-dab in the middle of summer and I know with that in mind I can't do this marathon to justice with the time and attention it deserves. I'll still be reviewing all the 2011 summer science fiction films that I see (and that's still lots!) and hope to come back to this exploration in the future.
I'll keep the original post as a home base for reviews for summer SciFi films, and it already includes X-Men First Class and the awesome film Super 8 and I look forward to Cowboys and Aliens, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and many more of the films coming out this summer.
Thanks so much for your understanding! Looking forward to getting settled in a new place soon.
Summer of SciFi Announcement
Summer of SciFi Announcement
Sad news, folks. I'm having to put a hold on my Summer of Sci Fi and epic exploration of tons of the awesome sub-genres, niche genres and genre mashing goodness. Originally I just delayed the marathon but I've realized it's just too much at the moment. I've never, ever, stopped a marathon, challenge or anything-a-thon once I've started our of the 16 I've participated in, led or done on my own over the years. Since I first announced the Summer of SciFi I've found out that I'll be moving smack-dab in the middle of summer and I know with that in mind I can't do this marathon to justice with the time and attention it deserves. I'll still be reviewing all the 2011 summer science fiction films that I see (and that's still lots!) and hope to come back to this exploration in the future.
I'll keep the original post as a home base for reviews for summer SciFi films, and it already includes X-Men First Class and the awesome film Super 8 and I look forward to Cowboys and Aliens, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and many more of the films coming out this summer.
Thanks so much for your understanding! Looking forward to getting settled in a new place soon.
Summer of Sci Fi Will Begin Next Week!
Note: I have no idea what settings my camera was on to get such a crazy washed out pic!
So. Today was to be my first post and review and exploration for the epicness of Summer of SciFi. But, here's the thing. Somehow I didn't really factor in the fact I would be away for a week while at the World Domination Summit and that during that time, I may ... perhaps... may not see a SciFi film. Ah, I should have seen that one coming! Must have been distracted by all the great coffee and general awesomeness of Portland. But don't worry, I'll still have 12 weeks of SciFi goodness to share and explore.
For those chomping at the bit to get going, I'll be starting next week with X-Men: First Class and/or Super 8 and/or The Tree of Life and their possible SciFi goodness (still have to see Super 8 to figure out which subgenre category it fits in). I've also posted a poll where you can vote for which of the subgenres you are most interested in. It's a vote for as many as you like poll, so click as many options as you like!
Thanks for your patience.
Summer of Sci Fi Will Begin Next Week!
Note: I have no idea what settings my camera was on to get such a crazy washed out pic!
So. Today was to be my first post and review and exploration for the epicness of Summer of SciFi. But, here's the thing. Somehow I didn't really factor in the fact I would be away for a week while at the World Domination Summit and that during that time, I may ... perhaps... may not see a SciFi film. Ah, I should have seen that one coming! Must have been distracted by all the great coffee and general awesomeness of Portland. But don't worry, I'll still have 12 weeks of SciFi goodness to share and explore.
For those chomping at the bit to get going, I'll be starting next week with X-Men: First Class and/or Super 8 and/or The Tree of Life and their possible SciFi goodness (still have to see Super 8 to figure out which subgenre category it fits in). I've also posted a poll where you can vote for which of the subgenres you are most interested in. It's a vote for as many as you like poll, so click as many options as you like!
Thanks for your patience.
Movie Moxie's The Summer of SciFi
Please note that the Summer of SciFi is on hiatus, see announcement here.
Yes, it's time. Time to take on a new marathon. After the epic 33 genres analyzed on the Movie Moxie Podcast I've decided to take a less lengthy, but still genre-centric marathon with: Movie Moxie's Summer of Sci Fi. That's right, it's time to open those pod bay doors and see what's out there.
Every week I'll be taking on a subgenre or microgenre of science fiction films and looking at it through reviewing and older and/or new theatrical release on the site & the Movie Moxie Podcast through June, July and August. Subgenres can including anything from disaster films to dystopic film, robots to aliens, time travel to space travel. Originally I thought it might be a stretch to get 12 weeks worth of minigenres but I actually have a list of 37 (an counting!) so far. It's going to be so much fun and there are so many great films to explore. I'm really looking forward to revisiting some classic science fiction (see header for hints) as well as enjoying many of the theatrical releases will see through the summer months.
Summer 2011 titles for consideration include: X-Men: First Class, The Tree of Life, Super 8, The Green Lantern, Captain America: The First Avenger, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Cowboys & Aliens. And although it's not likely that I'll be taking in Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon, but for the super-completist it techincally is science fiction.
When I'm back in town I'll be sharing more on the specifics, but I'll hint now that I'm a big fan of 70's SciFi, dystopic/uptopic SciFi, realistic & futuristic SciFi and of course aliens. Feel free to join me in watching along. I can't wait to get started!
Movie Moxie's Summer of SciFi - Delayed (see announcement):
Begins: Wednesday June 15, 2011 (revised)
Ends: Wednesday August 31, 2011
Reviews of 2011 Summer SciFi Films:
Super 8
The Tree of Life
X-Men: First Class
Movie Moxie's The Summer of SciFi
Please note that the Summer of SciFi is on hiatus, see announcement here.
Yes, it's time. Time to take on a new marathon. After the epic 33 genres analyzed on the Movie Moxie Podcast I've decided to take a less lengthy, but still genre-centric marathon with: Movie Moxie's Summer of Sci Fi. That's right, it's time to open those pod bay doors and see what's out there.
Every week I'll be taking on a subgenre or microgenre of science fiction films and looking at it through reviewing and older and/or new theatrical release on the site & the Movie Moxie Podcast through June, July and August. Subgenres can including anything from disaster films to dystopic film, robots to aliens, time travel to space travel. Originally I thought it might be a stretch to get 12 weeks worth of minigenres but I actually have a list of 37 (an counting!) so far. It's going to be so much fun and there are so many great films to explore. I'm really looking forward to revisiting some classic science fiction (see header for hints) as well as enjoying many of the theatrical releases will see through the summer months.
Summer 2011 titles for consideration include: X-Men: First Class, The Tree of Life, Super 8, The Green Lantern, Captain America: The First Avenger, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Cowboys & Aliens. And although it's not likely that I'll be taking in Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon, but for the super-completist it techincally is science fiction.
When I'm back in town I'll be sharing more on the specifics, but I'll hint now that I'm a big fan of 70's SciFi, dystopic/uptopic SciFi, realistic & futuristic SciFi and of course aliens. Feel free to join me in watching along. I can't wait to get started!
Movie Moxie's Summer of SciFi - Delayed (see announcement):
Begins: Wednesday June 15, 2011 (revised)
Ends: Wednesday August 31, 2011
Reviews of 2011 Summer SciFi Films:
Super 8
The Tree of Life
X-Men: First Class
2011 at Movie Moxie: Looking Back & Ahead
At this time of year where transition is at the forefront of my mind, I've been looking back and remembering the year, as well as planning what to focus on in the upcoming year. 2010 brought Toronto 353 releases in 365 Days, which is up from 334 in 2009 (I think we have Lightbox to thank for the new titles!). There were 50 Canadian in that 353, up from 48 in 2009 but the big jump was a whopping 25 releases that were in 25. That's an average of 2 a month, and overall most people still just complain about it, and then might mention 1 or 2 scenes in the film that was great. Very interesting. Personally, I saw 148 of the 2010 releases in different viewing experiences from festivals as early as 2008 to actually in the theatre on opening day. Overall, when I look at all the 2010 films I reviewed plus the straight to DVD 2010 release, I reviewed over 100 of the films that were released in 2010.
That's a personal best for me for films reviewed and films seen throughout the calendar year, and it's one number I always hope that the next year I'll see more than the year before. Both of those I'd like to do the same or more in 2011. I don't think I'll try and best my total films seen which in 2010 clocked in at 418 Films. I was very surprized as that one, it's usually in the 350-area. I also got out to many festivals, all of which I am hoping to attend and/or cover again, as well as add more to the roster there.
2011 marks my fifth year of writing about film online. Five years! That kind of freaks me out. Movie Moxie was launched in 2007, and I wrote about film at my personal blog starting January 2006. But it all started with my email newsletter Film Fan Fridays which I started in 2003 to spread the word on Canadian, foreign and independent film. Although many years have passed, and my interests have broadened to include many film genres (or simply, "genre" film), but that focus on that focus on sharing the weekly film releases here in Toronto and specifically spreading the word on Canadian, foreign and independent film has stayed the same. I also stand firm on my spoiler-free review policy (778 reviews strong), giving the reader just enough information to be able to tell if it's a film they would be interested in seeing, without spoiling any of the film. It's amazing to look back over the years and see the things that change, and the things that stay the same.
So, before getting to what we'll be looking at in 2011, I'd like to take a moment to look back at 2010.
New Additions to 2010
- Movie Moxie Podcast I'm so freaking happy that I finally launched the Movie Moxie Podcast, I think it's the thing I'm most proud of in 2010 and took lots and lots of learning along the way. I've wanted to do one since 2006, so it's been a long time coming and it's the only spoiler-free film podcast out there! I also co-host two podcasts, edit another and I love being a guest. You can find all the podcasting details here.
- DVD Reviews Although I did start them technically in 2009, I really started writing a lot more DVD reviews this year and there has been some real gems out hitting the shelves.
- Movie Moxie Monthly Although not technically on the site, it's a nice companion piece: a monthly newsletter of highlights from Movie Moxie. Perfect for if you are overwhelmed or mystified by RSS feeds or various readers. Sound good? You can sign up for it here.
Marathons & Challenges
- Sword & Sandals MarathonOh, boy - this one was a lot of fun! From Greek Mythology to biopics to Conan, there were lots of fun films to explore
- Wolfathon - Werewolf film marathon was a bit of a hit & miss, but I definitely honed in on the things I like, and don't like, about certain horror films. Also got to see some new, unexpected gems.
- 2010 Book to Film Challenge I read 20 books that were either already or at the time upcoming film adaptations. This was unexpectedly a lot easier than I expected and one that I actually thought might have been too ambitious, but turns out that it only encompassed 1/4 of the books I read all year! Fun times.
- 2010 Owned/Unseen Challenge The only miss on the list, I sadly only saw 11/19 of the titles that I had owned but unseen at the beginning of 2010. I did make a push towards the end of the year to finish it but I really hit what I call a 'myriad of mediocre'. I do hope to see most of the remaining films, however will do so on a non-deadline pace.
List Goodness
Lists are one of my favourite things to do, although I rarely do ranked lists I love doing other lists either archival, alphabetical, random collections or super-specific. Here's a selection of some of my favourites & the stand-by regulars from 2010:
- 2010 Reviews (100+ films)
- Most Anticipated 2010 Release: Part 1, Part 2 and Reflection
- The 2010 Perfect Films List
- Movie Memories from 2010
- Fresh New Faces & Ones to Watch from 2010
- 2010 Releases - By Title
- 2010 Releases -By Date
- 2010 Toronto Film Festival Listing
- Box Office This one I'm actually taking down a notch and going to shift to only keep tabs and share the weekend number ones by date and by gross for the year, as opposed to writing about box office each and every week.
- 2011 Book to Film Play-Along Challenge - love to read the book before you see the film? So do I! I'm stepping up a notch and spreading the wings on reading this year and going to be doing a book-to-film challenge where you can play along! I'll be releases the lists of titles and all the details very soon (and still taking recommendations you can comment or contact me by email).
- Marathons I'm definitely looking to do a few marathons this year and there are a lot of fun options but so far options are female protagonists, science fiction, dance films and fighting/martial arts films. I always like to align the marathons countdown-style to an upcoming releases so that will tailor the choices and timing.
- Opinion & Reflection I do a lot of thinking about film and a lot of talking about film, but it doesn't always make it to the page. I'd like to change that and have more writing and sharing about film in general, what I'm noticing in trends, habits and experiences.
- International Film Festivals by far one of the highest interests people mentioned on coverage at my end of year survey was International Film Festivals. I'm down with that!
- Happy Surprizes Who knows what this could be, but I always like to leave room for happy surprizes on lists.
- Film Fan Fridays - Toronto's Weekly Releases
- 100% Spoiler-Free Film Reviews
- Festival Coverage, Awards Coverage and Lists, Lists and More Lists
If you'd like to sign up for Film Fan Fridays or Movie Moxie Monthly, you can do so here.
2011 at Movie Moxie: Looking Back & Ahead
At this time of year where transition is at the forefront of my mind, I've been looking back and remembering the year, as well as planning what to focus on in the upcoming year. 2010 brought Toronto 353 releases in 365 Days, which is up from 334 in 2009 (I think we have Lightbox to thank for the new titles!). There were 50 Canadian in that 353, up from 48 in 2009 but the big jump was a whopping 25 releases that were in 25. That's an average of 2 a month, and overall most people still just complain about it, and then might mention 1 or 2 scenes in the film that was great. Very interesting. Personally, I saw 148 of the 2010 releases in different viewing experiences from festivals as early as 2008 to actually in the theatre on opening day. Overall, when I look at all the 2010 films I reviewed plus the straight to DVD 2010 release, I reviewed over 100 of the films that were released in 2010.
That's a personal best for me for films reviewed and films seen throughout the calendar year, and it's one number I always hope that the next year I'll see more than the year before. Both of those I'd like to do the same or more in 2011. I don't think I'll try and best my total films seen which in 2010 clocked in at 418 Films. I was very surprized as that one, it's usually in the 350-area. I also got out to many festivals, all of which I am hoping to attend and/or cover again, as well as add more to the roster there.
2011 marks my fifth year of writing about film online. Five years! That kind of freaks me out. Movie Moxie was launched in 2007, and I wrote about film at my personal blog starting January 2006. But it all started with my email newsletter Film Fan Fridays which I started in 2003 to spread the word on Canadian, foreign and independent film. Although many years have passed, and my interests have broadened to include many film genres (or simply, "genre" film), but that focus on that focus on sharing the weekly film releases here in Toronto and specifically spreading the word on Canadian, foreign and independent film has stayed the same. I also stand firm on my spoiler-free review policy (778 reviews strong), giving the reader just enough information to be able to tell if it's a film they would be interested in seeing, without spoiling any of the film. It's amazing to look back over the years and see the things that change, and the things that stay the same.
So, before getting to what we'll be looking at in 2011, I'd like to take a moment to look back at 2010.
New Additions to 2010
- Movie Moxie Podcast I'm so freaking happy that I finally launched the Movie Moxie Podcast, I think it's the thing I'm most proud of in 2010 and took lots and lots of learning along the way. I've wanted to do one since 2006, so it's been a long time coming and it's the only spoiler-free film podcast out there! I also co-host two podcasts, edit another and I love being a guest. You can find all the podcasting details here.
- DVD Reviews Although I did start them technically in 2009, I really started writing a lot more DVD reviews this year and there has been some real gems out hitting the shelves.
- Movie Moxie Monthly Although not technically on the site, it's a nice companion piece: a monthly newsletter of highlights from Movie Moxie. Perfect for if you are overwhelmed or mystified by RSS feeds or various readers. Sound good? You can sign up for it here.
Marathons & Challenges
- Sword & Sandals MarathonOh, boy - this one was a lot of fun! From Greek Mythology to biopics to Conan, there were lots of fun films to explore
- Wolfathon - Werewolf film marathon was a bit of a hit & miss, but I definitely honed in on the things I like, and don't like, about certain horror films. Also got to see some new, unexpected gems.
- 2010 Book to Film Challenge I read 20 books that were either already or at the time upcoming film adaptations. This was unexpectedly a lot easier than I expected and one that I actually thought might have been too ambitious, but turns out that it only encompassed 1/4 of the books I read all year! Fun times.
- 2010 Owned/Unseen Challenge The only miss on the list, I sadly only saw 11/19 of the titles that I had owned but unseen at the beginning of 2010. I did make a push towards the end of the year to finish it but I really hit what I call a 'myriad of mediocre'. I do hope to see most of the remaining films, however will do so on a non-deadline pace.
List Goodness
Lists are one of my favourite things to do, although I rarely do ranked lists I love doing other lists either archival, alphabetical, random collections or super-specific. Here's a selection of some of my favourites & the stand-by regulars from 2010:
- 2010 Reviews (100+ films)
- Most Anticipated 2010 Release: Part 1, Part 2 and Reflection
- The 2010 Perfect Films List
- Movie Memories from 2010
- Fresh New Faces & Ones to Watch from 2010
- 2010 Releases - By Title
- 2010 Releases -By Date
- 2010 Toronto Film Festival Listing
- Box Office This one I'm actually taking down a notch and going to shift to only keep tabs and share the weekend number ones by date and by gross for the year, as opposed to writing about box office each and every week.
- 2011 Book to Film Play-Along Challenge - love to read the book before you see the film? So do I! I'm stepping up a notch and spreading the wings on reading this year and going to be doing a book-to-film challenge where you can play along! I'll be releases the lists of titles and all the details very soon (and still taking recommendations you can comment or contact me by email).
- Marathons I'm definitely looking to do a few marathons this year and there are a lot of fun options but so far options are female protagonists, science fiction, dance films and fighting/martial arts films. I always like to align the marathons countdown-style to an upcoming releases so that will tailor the choices and timing.
- Opinion & Reflection I do a lot of thinking about film and a lot of talking about film, but it doesn't always make it to the page. I'd like to change that and have more writing and sharing about film in general, what I'm noticing in trends, habits and experiences.
- International Film Festivals by far one of the highest interests people mentioned on coverage at my end of year survey was International Film Festivals. I'm down with that!
- Happy Surprizes Who knows what this could be, but I always like to leave room for happy surprizes on lists.
- Film Fan Fridays - Toronto's Weekly Releases
- 100% Spoiler-Free Film Reviews
- Festival Coverage, Awards Coverage and Lists, Lists and More Lists
If you'd like to sign up for Film Fan Fridays or Movie Moxie Monthly, you can do so here.
Wolfathon in Completathon Vlog
It's vlogging madness this week! It's been a bit since the Wolfathon came to completion, which means it's time to look back and go through all of the films I've seen for the marathon from the ones I loved, to ones I didn't love so much. From discussed themes, effects, what I learned about werewolf films & myself along the way and of course my favourites werewolf films.
You can see all the werewolf films I've reviewed for the wolfathon and beyond here.
I also mentioned the Vampathon, the vampire film marathon I did last year.
Wolfathon in Completathon Vlog
It's vlogging madness this week! It's been a bit since the Wolfathon came to completion, which means it's time to look back and go through all of the films I've seen for the marathon from the ones I loved, to ones I didn't love so much. From discussed themes, effects, what I learned about werewolf films & myself along the way and of course my favourites werewolf films.
You can see all the werewolf films I've reviewed for the wolfathon and beyond here.
I also mentioned the Vampathon, the vampire film marathon I did last year.
Ginger Snaps
Dir: John Fawcett (The Boys Club, "The Border", "The Bridge")
Cast: Katharine Isabelle, Emily Perkins, Kris Lemche, Mimi Rogers, Jesse Moss, Danielle Hampton
Canada, 2000
Seen: Re-visited June 22, 2010 and originally seen on TMN
Reason to Watch & Review: For The Wolfathon *
I love Ginger Snaps. I loved it when I first saw it and loved it all the more re-visiting it for The Wolfathon. The idea is brilliant, overlaying female puberty and sexuality in a werewolf film. Lunar cycles, body changes, transformation... it's freaking brilliant idea and results is a hilarious, dark horror film.
The central characters of the film are the Fitzgerald sisters, Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Brigitte (Emily Perkins), macabre teens stuck in suburbia who swear oaths and vulgarities while going through the every day motions of teen life with school, parents and boys. I love that the film features sisters, and this one really does show the sibling bond and how far they will go to help each other. Sure, it's in a completely dark and twisted sense - but the sentiment is still there. How they incorporate the changes of puberty is done so well, from awkward 'your body is changing' conversations to frustration, pain, coping and empowerment, it's all there with full colourful commentary throughout.
In terms of being a werewolf film, it certainly draws on and is aware of the lore and gives it this new twist thematically but still hits all the right marks. In terms of effects and gore, it's present in bucket loads. This film does not hold back, you've got blood, guts and bites all over the place. The effects overall are pretty impressive too, not just how they look but the creative choices and how they are featured throughout the film.
The premise of Ginger Snaps is so brilliant, it's a surprize that no one had done it before. But, I'm glad because then we would have ended up with something else and I love the film that it is: smart, gutsy, gory and totally female focused from start to finish. I wish we had more films like this out there.
Warnings: Gore. Lots of gore.
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I own it
I highly recommend it
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
* The Wolfathon is a marathon exploring werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Ginger Snaps
Dir: John Fawcett (The Boys Club, "The Border", "The Bridge")
Cast: Katharine Isabelle, Emily Perkins, Kris Lemche, Mimi Rogers, Jesse Moss, Danielle Hampton
Canada, 2000
Seen: Re-visited June 22, 2010 and originally seen on TMN
Reason to Watch & Review: For The Wolfathon *
I love Ginger Snaps. I loved it when I first saw it and loved it all the more re-visiting it for The Wolfathon. The idea is brilliant, overlaying female puberty and sexuality in a werewolf film. Lunar cycles, body changes, transformation... it's freaking brilliant idea and results is a hilarious, dark horror film.
The central characters of the film are the Fitzgerald sisters, Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Brigitte (Emily Perkins), macabre teens stuck in suburbia who swear oaths and vulgarities while going through the every day motions of teen life with school, parents and boys. I love that the film features sisters, and this one really does show the sibling bond and how far they will go to help each other. Sure, it's in a completely dark and twisted sense - but the sentiment is still there. How they incorporate the changes of puberty is done so well, from awkward 'your body is changing' conversations to frustration, pain, coping and empowerment, it's all there with full colourful commentary throughout.
In terms of being a werewolf film, it certainly draws on and is aware of the lore and gives it this new twist thematically but still hits all the right marks. In terms of effects and gore, it's present in bucket loads. This film does not hold back, you've got blood, guts and bites all over the place. The effects overall are pretty impressive too, not just how they look but the creative choices and how they are featured throughout the film.
The premise of Ginger Snaps is so brilliant, it's a surprize that no one had done it before. But, I'm glad because then we would have ended up with something else and I love the film that it is: smart, gutsy, gory and totally female focused from start to finish. I wish we had more films like this out there.
Warnings: Gore. Lots of gore.
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I own it
I highly recommend it
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
* The Wolfathon is a marathon exploring werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The Howling
Dir: Joe Dante (Gremlins, Innerspace, The Hole)
Cast: Dee Wallace, Belinda Balaski, Elisabeth Brooks, Patrick Macnee, Dennis Dugan, Robert Picardo, Kevin McCarthy
USA, 1981
Seen: Revisited June 15, 2010
Reason to Watch & Review: For The Wolfathon *
I was convinced that The Howling had to be just 'one of those horror films' I'd seen as a kid, but after rewatching it - I think not. I saw many films at an inappropriately young age, but this was not one of them and it certainly would have been inappropriate.
The Howling is a bit of a doozy. It almost plays like 2 separate films: a serious slasher horror film and a campy werewolf film, and rarely do these two films meet either narratively or tonally. It's interesting to see the slasher side of things from a historical context, because now it's they are so formulaic, obvious and campy, but here it's actual feels scary and extremely threatening. I think it hits a different tone in The Howling as it really plays the sexual violence card, although indirectly, is still present in the film and to be honest is so disturbing that I'd likely not watch it again. Being in 1981 it's right around the time of Friday the 13th (1980) and My Bloody Valentine (1981), so it's still before the cookie cutter model of the slasher film, but they were certainly popping up.
The slasher aspect of the film really is only one aspect of the film, and is definitely there to serve as a threat and plot device. The film focuses on journalist Karen (Dee Wallace) whom goes to a retreat termed 'the colony'. Now, 'the colony' is where it ends up going crazy campy, from lines direct to the camera to ridiculous things put together that are implausible, to crazy 'eccentric' characters. We're talking pretty over the top here, and add the 80's charm of high waisted pants, guys with feathered hair and pretty overt symbolism. These parts of the film were rather entertaining.
As a werewolf film, it's clearly using it with a social commentary probably more overtly than any other film I've seen literally talking about the beast inside us, etc. I found that clearness, although sometime funny, was actually refreshing. It had something to say - and it said it. It's not a moral lesson or preachy, it's purely for entertainment. Now the effects on the other hand - they were all over the place. Sometimes they looked amazing, sometimes they looked ridiculous, but there certainly is a lot to look at. Although using the mainstay of editing is used, it also uses lots of direct long shots that I was mystified (and at times grossed out) at what they did. Any way you slice it, it was impressive in terms of volume and results. It's also pretty gory, that and the sex & nudity give it a clear R rating for the time.
Overall, it's not really to my taste. It it was all campy I would have enjoyed it more, and I appreciated that there were a fair amount of women characters, but the sexual violence made it uninteresting. It's 'one for the vault' in terms of werewolf films and I appreciated getting a sense of where it stood historically with other slasher films. I think I likely have seen already seen The Howling II, but either way I don't think I'll be continuing to explore this series.
Warnings: sexual violence, gore
Shannon's Overall View:
I didn't love it
I'd not likely watch it again
I'd recommend it for fans of quirky & gory horror and werewolf completists
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
* The Wolfathon is a marathon exploring werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The Howling
Dir: Joe Dante (Gremlins, Innerspace, The Hole)
Cast: Dee Wallace, Belinda Balaski, Elisabeth Brooks, Patrick Macnee, Dennis Dugan, Robert Picardo, Kevin McCarthy
USA, 1981
Seen: Revisited June 15, 2010
Reason to Watch & Review: For The Wolfathon *
I was convinced that The Howling had to be just 'one of those horror films' I'd seen as a kid, but after rewatching it - I think not. I saw many films at an inappropriately young age, but this was not one of them and it certainly would have been inappropriate.
The Howling is a bit of a doozy. It almost plays like 2 separate films: a serious slasher horror film and a campy werewolf film, and rarely do these two films meet either narratively or tonally. It's interesting to see the slasher side of things from a historical context, because now it's they are so formulaic, obvious and campy, but here it's actual feels scary and extremely threatening. I think it hits a different tone in The Howling as it really plays the sexual violence card, although indirectly, is still present in the film and to be honest is so disturbing that I'd likely not watch it again. Being in 1981 it's right around the time of Friday the 13th (1980) and My Bloody Valentine (1981), so it's still before the cookie cutter model of the slasher film, but they were certainly popping up.
The slasher aspect of the film really is only one aspect of the film, and is definitely there to serve as a threat and plot device. The film focuses on journalist Karen (Dee Wallace) whom goes to a retreat termed 'the colony'. Now, 'the colony' is where it ends up going crazy campy, from lines direct to the camera to ridiculous things put together that are implausible, to crazy 'eccentric' characters. We're talking pretty over the top here, and add the 80's charm of high waisted pants, guys with feathered hair and pretty overt symbolism. These parts of the film were rather entertaining.
As a werewolf film, it's clearly using it with a social commentary probably more overtly than any other film I've seen literally talking about the beast inside us, etc. I found that clearness, although sometime funny, was actually refreshing. It had something to say - and it said it. It's not a moral lesson or preachy, it's purely for entertainment. Now the effects on the other hand - they were all over the place. Sometimes they looked amazing, sometimes they looked ridiculous, but there certainly is a lot to look at. Although using the mainstay of editing is used, it also uses lots of direct long shots that I was mystified (and at times grossed out) at what they did. Any way you slice it, it was impressive in terms of volume and results. It's also pretty gory, that and the sex & nudity give it a clear R rating for the time.
Overall, it's not really to my taste. It it was all campy I would have enjoyed it more, and I appreciated that there were a fair amount of women characters, but the sexual violence made it uninteresting. It's 'one for the vault' in terms of werewolf films and I appreciated getting a sense of where it stood historically with other slasher films. I think I likely have seen already seen The Howling II, but either way I don't think I'll be continuing to explore this series.
Warnings: sexual violence, gore
Shannon's Overall View:
I didn't love it
I'd not likely watch it again
I'd recommend it for fans of quirky & gory horror and werewolf completists
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
* The Wolfathon is a marathon exploring werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The Fury of the Wolfman / La furia del Hombre Lobo
Dir: José María Zabalza (El vendedor de ilusiones, Divorce, Andalusian Style)
Cast: Paul Naschy, Perla Cristal, Verónica Luján, Francisco Amorós, Miguel de la Riva
Spain, 1972
Seen: June 8, 2010 on DVD thanks to Zip.ca
Reason to Watch & Review: For The Wolfathon *
What a treat The Fury of the Wolfman / La furia del Hombre Lobo is. I've had a fair share of happy surprizes during The Wolfathon, but nothing like this yet. It's no brilliant, I'd say technically it's not even good, but it was a hell of a lot of fun to watch.
I was worried at first. The copy I got was often distressed and worst of all: dubbed. As is it turns out it just added to the flavour of the film which is melodramatic to the max and filled with a 60's science-y film feel to it, complete with minidresses and absolutely sensational stylings like Verónica Luján's Cleopatra-like make up, which I'm sure totally isn't out of place for her role as the assistant Karen.
Paul Naschy plays Waldemar Daninsky, recently back from Tibet when he starts to experience and engage in some bizarre activities. It's a little challenge to piece together the plot other than that as it often feels more than a little off. Actually, if feels like someone watched a bunch of werewolf films with the sound off and then made their own film. In a way, seeing this film dubbed, I felt like I was having that experience as well as I'm pretty confident some things didn't quite fit in with the translation. Add to it lots of odd edits, unexplained sequences and transitions and it really felt all over the place. But, even through there were little moments like that the story itself felt mostly cohesive. Bizarre, but highly entertaining and enjoyable combination.
The film on top of being a werewolf film, also has a strong 'mad scientist' feel to it, which I loved. It made it eerie and bizarre, and different from a lot of the other werewolf films I've seen so far. I also loved the women in the film. Verónica Luján as Karen is a lot of fun, but it's really Perla Cristal as Dr. Ilona Elmann who literally holds the film under her command. It's worth watching just to see her.
In terms of being a werewolf film, it certainly hits a lot of the marks you'd expect but definitely goes for a more science approach. It uses effects well and has a fair share of blood but the gore isn't the focus, it's more ideas-shaped horror with a fair amount of frightening scenarios and a lot of screaming.
Overall, I found it really refreshing. It's not polished by any means, but if was one hell of a fun ride.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I'd recommend it horror film fans, especially if you like science-oriented, 60's-ness and/or great women in horror
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
* The Wolfathon is a marathon exploring werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The Fury of the Wolfman / La furia del Hombre Lobo
Dir: José María Zabalza (El vendedor de ilusiones, Divorce, Andalusian Style)
Cast: Paul Naschy, Perla Cristal, Verónica Luján, Francisco Amorós, Miguel de la Riva
Spain, 1972
Seen: June 8, 2010 on DVD thanks to Zip.ca
Reason to Watch & Review: For The Wolfathon *
What a treat The Fury of the Wolfman / La furia del Hombre Lobo is. I've had a fair share of happy surprizes during The Wolfathon, but nothing like this yet. It's no brilliant, I'd say technically it's not even good, but it was a hell of a lot of fun to watch.
I was worried at first. The copy I got was often distressed and worst of all: dubbed. As is it turns out it just added to the flavour of the film which is melodramatic to the max and filled with a 60's science-y film feel to it, complete with minidresses and absolutely sensational stylings like Verónica Luján's Cleopatra-like make up, which I'm sure totally isn't out of place for her role as the assistant Karen.
Paul Naschy plays Waldemar Daninsky, recently back from Tibet when he starts to experience and engage in some bizarre activities. It's a little challenge to piece together the plot other than that as it often feels more than a little off. Actually, if feels like someone watched a bunch of werewolf films with the sound off and then made their own film. In a way, seeing this film dubbed, I felt like I was having that experience as well as I'm pretty confident some things didn't quite fit in with the translation. Add to it lots of odd edits, unexplained sequences and transitions and it really felt all over the place. But, even through there were little moments like that the story itself felt mostly cohesive. Bizarre, but highly entertaining and enjoyable combination.
The film on top of being a werewolf film, also has a strong 'mad scientist' feel to it, which I loved. It made it eerie and bizarre, and different from a lot of the other werewolf films I've seen so far. I also loved the women in the film. Verónica Luján as Karen is a lot of fun, but it's really Perla Cristal as Dr. Ilona Elmann who literally holds the film under her command. It's worth watching just to see her.
In terms of being a werewolf film, it certainly hits a lot of the marks you'd expect but definitely goes for a more science approach. It uses effects well and has a fair share of blood but the gore isn't the focus, it's more ideas-shaped horror with a fair amount of frightening scenarios and a lot of screaming.
Overall, I found it really refreshing. It's not polished by any means, but if was one hell of a fun ride.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I'd recommend it horror film fans, especially if you like science-oriented, 60's-ness and/or great women in horror
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
* The Wolfathon is a marathon exploring werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Wolfathon
Somehow I managed to get more than halfway through this marathon without writing about what and why I'm doing it. Weird! Well, better late than never!
You all know I'm a huge fan of marathons, and with a Twilight film on the horizon I'm of course going to tie that into to a marathon. I decided to go furry this time round and hide away the silver, as I present The Wolfathon: a marathon to explore werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Werewolf films tend to be way less popular than their often screen foe the vampire, but creature will all be treated equally here at Movie Moxie. Also, they do always come back such as this years The Wolfman (2010) which I rather enjoyed. So, bring on the fun, gore, guts, mayhem and hopefully a few creative interpretations along the way as we take a look through films that flourish under the full moon.
Titles up for consideration to be reviewed include: Ginger Snaps, The Fury of the Wolfman, Brotherhood of the Wolf and The Howling. Feel free to make suggestions if you have favourite werewolf films!
Wednesday April 14, 2010: The Wolfman (1941)
Wednesday April 21, 2010: Werewolf of London
Wednesday April 28, 2010: She-Wolf of London
Wednesday May 12, 2010: Bad Moon
Wednesday May 19, 2010: Wolfen
Wednesday May 26, 2010: An American Werewolf in London
Wednesday June 2, 2010: Ladyhawke
Wednesday June 9, 2010: The Fury of the Wolfman / La furia del Hombre Lobo
Wednesday June 16, 2010: The Howling
Wednesday June 23, 2010: Ginger Snaps
Ends: Wednesday June 30, 2010: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
In summary, my Wolfathon Vlog going through all the film I saw for the marathon.
Wolfathon
Somehow I managed to get more than halfway through this marathon without writing about what and why I'm doing it. Weird! Well, better late than never!
You all know I'm a huge fan of marathons, and with a Twilight film on the horizon I'm of course going to tie that into to a marathon. I decided to go furry this time round and hide away the silver, as I present The Wolfathon: a marathon to explore werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Werewolf films tend to be way less popular than their often screen foe the vampire, but creature will all be treated equally here at Movie Moxie. Also, they do always come back such as this years The Wolfman (2010) which I rather enjoyed. So, bring on the fun, gore, guts, mayhem and hopefully a few creative interpretations along the way as we take a look through films that flourish under the full moon.
Titles up for consideration to be reviewed include: Ginger Snaps, The Fury of the Wolfman, Brotherhood of the Wolf and The Howling. Feel free to make suggestions if you have favourite werewolf films!
Wednesday April 14, 2010: The Wolfman (1941)
Wednesday April 21, 2010: Werewolf of London
Wednesday April 28, 2010: She-Wolf of London
Wednesday May 12, 2010: Bad Moon
Wednesday May 19, 2010: Wolfen
Wednesday May 26, 2010: An American Werewolf in London
Wednesday June 2, 2010: Ladyhawke
Wednesday June 9, 2010: The Fury of the Wolfman / La furia del Hombre Lobo
Wednesday June 16, 2010: The Howling
Wednesday June 23, 2010: Ginger Snaps
Ends: Wednesday June 30, 2010: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
In summary, my Wolfathon Vlog going through all the film I saw for the marathon.
Ladyhawke
Dir: Richard Donner (Superman, Superman II (2006), Lethal Weapon, The Goonies, Timeline)
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leo McKern, John Wood
USA, 1985
Seen: Many times in the 80's from my local video store
Revisited: May 30, 2010 on DVD
Reason to Watch & Review: For The Wolfathon *
Ladyhawke is one of those films that I have such fond memories of, that it's hard to... or rather it's not all that fun to look at with a critical eye. It is much more fun to just rather kick back and enjoy the ride.
Technically I'd have to say that it is a fantasy film, but I prefer to think of it as a historical set film with a little magic. On top of that we also get a fair amount of action and buckets and buckets of comedy. I don't know how the film manages to get all that in - not to mention the tragic love story - but it does, and it does it with charm and flair.
Matthew Broderick stars as Phillipe "Mouse" Gaston, our protagonist and continual comedic relief in the film, who reluctantly tags along with the ousted Captain Etienne Navarre played by (swoon) Rutger Hauer. Not a great start for them, but inadvertent companions tend to make for really good stories. Add to the mix the mysterious Isabeau d'Anjou (Michelle Pfeiffer), and we are well on to our way to not only adventures but romance as well.
One of the things I love about Ladyhawke is how it breaks convention. Matthew Broderick is obviously the protagonist of the film, but he's only part of the main story of the film. He's performance is charming and funny, and has many great one-liners that have stuck with me for years. Also, the effects in Ladyhawke are one of my favourite parts of the film, which is something that feels rare in 80's film, but what they've done is use creative interpretations of what is actually happening and uses that as the spirit of what we see. They may not be obvious choices, but they certainly are effective choices and I love how they were used in the film. Addd the rugged and handsome Rutger Hauer and charming Michelle Pfieffer to the mix, whom are both fantastic in their roles, what more could you ask for in a film?
I'm going to be straight with you. Saying Ladyhawke is a werewolf film is a bit of a stretch. Yes, there is a wolf, but it's completely separate from any werewolf lore I've ever encountered. I decided to include it in The Wolfathon because it's quite beloved not just to me but to many people I know. Also, it's actually the most aligned in theme in story to The Twilight Saga: Eclipse that any other film in the marathon so far, as the central storyline involves a romance and it also has a lot of action to boot.
Overall, I love this film and will always love it. The love story is beautiful, the effects are creative and the characters win me over time and time again. But. And there is a big but here, and that is the music. The music is so cheesy 80's that it's almost distracting. Okay, it is distracting. Every time I finally settled into it thinking "okay, I can handle that", somehow it got more 80's. It's a little crazy. But, it does add to the charm of the film as it wouldn't be the same without it. Fair warning for those who are going in as first time viewers. It's totally worth it, but you've been warned!
Fun fact: John Wood, who plays the Bishop of Aquila in Ladyhawke also co-starred with Matthew Broderick in the 1983 film Wargames, where he played the reclusive Falken. Took me a bit to place it, but it all comes down to the voice. Very recognizable.
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I own it, and I'll re-watch it again and again
I'd recommend it to fans of fantasy with a love story, but note that you are braving a very 80's soundtrack
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
* The Wolfathon is a marathon exploring werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Ladyhawke
Dir: Richard Donner (Superman, Superman II (2006), Lethal Weapon, The Goonies, Timeline)
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leo McKern, John Wood
USA, 1985
Seen: Many times in the 80's from my local video store
Revisited: May 30, 2010 on DVD
Reason to Watch & Review: For The Wolfathon *
Ladyhawke is one of those films that I have such fond memories of, that it's hard to... or rather it's not all that fun to look at with a critical eye. It is much more fun to just rather kick back and enjoy the ride.
Technically I'd have to say that it is a fantasy film, but I prefer to think of it as a historical set film with a little magic. On top of that we also get a fair amount of action and buckets and buckets of comedy. I don't know how the film manages to get all that in - not to mention the tragic love story - but it does, and it does it with charm and flair.
Matthew Broderick stars as Phillipe "Mouse" Gaston, our protagonist and continual comedic relief in the film, who reluctantly tags along with the ousted Captain Etienne Navarre played by (swoon) Rutger Hauer. Not a great start for them, but inadvertent companions tend to make for really good stories. Add to the mix the mysterious Isabeau d'Anjou (Michelle Pfeiffer), and we are well on to our way to not only adventures but romance as well.
One of the things I love about Ladyhawke is how it breaks convention. Matthew Broderick is obviously the protagonist of the film, but he's only part of the main story of the film. He's performance is charming and funny, and has many great one-liners that have stuck with me for years. Also, the effects in Ladyhawke are one of my favourite parts of the film, which is something that feels rare in 80's film, but what they've done is use creative interpretations of what is actually happening and uses that as the spirit of what we see. They may not be obvious choices, but they certainly are effective choices and I love how they were used in the film. Addd the rugged and handsome Rutger Hauer and charming Michelle Pfieffer to the mix, whom are both fantastic in their roles, what more could you ask for in a film?
I'm going to be straight with you. Saying Ladyhawke is a werewolf film is a bit of a stretch. Yes, there is a wolf, but it's completely separate from any werewolf lore I've ever encountered. I decided to include it in The Wolfathon because it's quite beloved not just to me but to many people I know. Also, it's actually the most aligned in theme in story to The Twilight Saga: Eclipse that any other film in the marathon so far, as the central storyline involves a romance and it also has a lot of action to boot.
Overall, I love this film and will always love it. The love story is beautiful, the effects are creative and the characters win me over time and time again. But. And there is a big but here, and that is the music. The music is so cheesy 80's that it's almost distracting. Okay, it is distracting. Every time I finally settled into it thinking "okay, I can handle that", somehow it got more 80's. It's a little crazy. But, it does add to the charm of the film as it wouldn't be the same without it. Fair warning for those who are going in as first time viewers. It's totally worth it, but you've been warned!
Fun fact: John Wood, who plays the Bishop of Aquila in Ladyhawke also co-starred with Matthew Broderick in the 1983 film Wargames, where he played the reclusive Falken. Took me a bit to place it, but it all comes down to the voice. Very recognizable.
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I own it, and I'll re-watch it again and again
I'd recommend it to fans of fantasy with a love story, but note that you are braving a very 80's soundtrack
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
* The Wolfathon is a marathon exploring werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse