jrandazzofilms-1 Reviews

Psycho Killer Bloodbath (2011)

A GREAT throwback to the 70s, done differently!!

[8/10 · 28 October 2011]

I just caught this film at the Terror Film Festival a few minutes ago, and I can't stop raving about it!

The film is a throwback to such 1970s classics as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, I Spit On Your Grave, and Last House on the Left, and while it's not perfect, it hits the mark! It managed to creep me out, keep me riveted, and surprise me with it's twists!

Like I said, it isn't perfect, but it achieves it's end. There are moments where some of the actions seem to slow down a bit, but the tension, the suspense, and the amazing payoff make up for it. Don't see this expecting to see anything but a great crossover of the slasher and exploitation genres. Fans of the films I mentioned above will be pleased.

If it comes to a festival near you, SEE IT!

Yellow (II) (2006)

A Very Worthy Tribute to the late Maestro

[10/10 · 15 December 2007]

I had the opportunity to see this wonderful short at the Terror Film Festival in Philadelphia this passed October and I was simply amazed. My girlfriend and I instantly saw that Semih Tareen was emulating Mario Bava and the next 6 or 7 minutes are bliss for fans of the maestro's work. Everything from the lighting, to the plot to the excellent music paid tribute to one of cinema's most underrated minds. If this is any indication of what Mr. Tareen is capable of, he will be a household name before long. If it plays at a fest near you, see it. And if it isn't, then it is definitely worth seeking out. It is as good as any film of this length can aspire to be.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Quite Possibly The Greatest Film Ever Made

[10/10 · 4 September 2006]

Now, I am by no means a Sergio Leone fan, but he deserved the Oscar for Direction for this film. I firmly believe that this film stands up there with "The Godfather, Part II", "Casablanca", and "Citizen Kane" as one of the greatest films ever released (maybe the best). Sergio Leone's violent, visual, masterpiece of turn of the century Jewish boys from New York growing into a life of crime has a different effect on all those who have viewed it in its various forms. I, personally have never seen the shortened version so I can not comment on it. There isn't anything in this film that isn't worth the four hour running time. Brilliant, poetic visuals, great photography and fantastic performances across the board.

Leone touches on issues of violence (the scenes are gory and sometimes explicit), sexual depravity (its no coincidence that all sexual encounters are in unconventional places and only in Noodles' rape of Deborah does he exhibit any kind of emotion toward any of his partners, gently caressing and kissing her as he violates her in a pathetic attempt to show his love), and simply growing old (brought about by the reminisces of Noodles' childhood with a beautiful good 'ol days type feeling despite the criminal nature of his childhood) and leaves us clamoring for more after the four hours are through.

Robert DeNiro is fantastic as always as Noodles. But it is James Woods, in my opinion that steals the show as Max. William Forsythe, Treat Williams, Danny Aiello, Burt Young, Joe Pesci, Jennifer Connely and Tuesday Weld add to this film just as actors of their quality are expected to. Their performances, as well as the two leads at the very least deserved, but didn't receive any, Academy Award nominations. (In fact, the Oscars were the only ceremony to snub this film). Ennio Morricone's score was as beautiful and evocative as one would expect from the master of the Italian score.

Worth seeing. Sit back, take the phone off the hook and prepare for a cinematic experience.