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Frankenstein (1984)
Slighty Underrated-David Warner and Carrie Fisher Give Their Best
This British film from the 1980s is far from being the best Frankenstein adaptation. It's low-budget is obvious, the monster's character development is rushed, and the ending is anticlimatic. But the film's strengths come from the competent performances from the cast and the solid script.
To be fair, I saw this film on YouTube for free, so the quality might not be what it truly is. Although the makeup is pretty bad and nowhere near James Whale's level of talent, David Warner does a great job of playing the Frankenstein Monster. He conveys horror and pathos as the character should. Robert Powell is a solid Victor Frankenstein that conveys the madness and tragedy of the character, but nowhere near the level of Colin Clive or Peter Cushing. Carrie Fisher doesn't have as much screen-time as I originally thought despite being top billed, but she delivers a great performance as Elizabeth when she's onscreen. She's instantly unforgettable and absolutely beautiful; her smile alone melts your heart. Her natural British accent puts Keanu Reeves to shame. And her singing is off the charts. Elizabeth is supposed to be angelic and no one has pulled that off as well as Carrie in my opinion.
The filming locations are another highlight of this television movie. Looking at every single location makes me feel content. This makes me want to visit the United Kingdom. The outfits and hairstyles are spot on from the 19th century as well.
Is this film a major classic? No. But is it fun? Yes! It's also just over an hour and is free to watch on YouTube. It has a surprisingly moving plot and is better than half of the Frankenstein movies. Rip Carrie Fisher, you are surely missed.
Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI (1986)
Cheesy, Self Aware Slasher Film!
Friday the 13th: Jason Lives, finally reaches higher than mediocrity or downright awfulness in a sequel; it's good. The cinematography and music score are top notch, Harry Manfredini added new tracks to his score, which is definitely 1980s music, but it works. The story is a precursor to Scream and can be funny, but the silliness becomes far too much in some scenes. The paintball scene is just slapstick, Looney Tunes style silly. That is another thing to bring up, the film is NOT scary! It is not very creative in the kill sequences, the buildup is not very great, some of the kills are just too goofy and are not very disturbing like earlier installments. Thom Matthews is Tommy Jarvis, he is one like able dude, but has lost that Part 5 psychology aspect that is very interesting. Jennifer Cooke is ok, but is charming enough.
Now let's talk about Jason Voorhees himself, while he has always been portrayed as a mortal human being in the previous sequels, this film resurrects Jason as a unkillable, zombie character with superhuman abilities. This allows the murder sequences to be more over the top. I don't prefer this portrayal of Jason, he is much more frightening, interesting, and much more grounded than he is in this film. Even though I have been mostly bashing on this film, I love it. I can appreciate it for it's quality, the best installment since the original F13. Is this as good as the first F13 in the strict sense? NO! But it was never trying to be and it is incredible fun! 7/10
Frankenstein (2004)
Faithful Adaptiation-Classic Like The Novel
Frankenstein the miniseries from 2004 is well performed. The story which is about 200 years old, resonates within this faithful adaptation. It's characters are well performed, the Monster and Victor the most. If you want to see an entertaining, close to the original story, Frankenstein is the one to watch.
Friday the 13th (1980)
A Cult Classic With Some Issues
Friday the 13th needs little to no introduction, Jason Voorhees is one of the most iconic horror villains ever. It is even more hard to believe that Friday the 13th (1980), doesn't have Jason as the killer! The main villain is Besty Palmer (Jason's Mom). While she does pull off a great performance, Jason is much better.
The editing in this film is choppy, every scene plays on for too long. The characters are indistinguishable from another, this makes it more comfortable to see them die. The kills by Tom Savini are amazing and executed perfectly, some don't even show on camera which is quite disappointing. When Jason appears on camera it is creepy and the best part of the movie.
Frankenstein (1931)
It's alive, and a enduring classic
Frankenstein, (though not the very first adaptation), is one of the best re-imagining of the classic horror novel by the late Mary Shelly. The film's leading portrayal is the Frankenstein Monster (Boris Karloff), the body language expressed by Karloff makes you feel sympathetic for the creature. The character of Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive), the madman that creates the monster is relentless in his pursuit to finish the creature even when it means stealing brains from the university. The hunchback Friz (Dwight Frye), gets afraid of a skeleton while attempting to steal the normal human brain, the jar drops to the floor causing Friz to pick the abnormal one instead. The film does have a few extra characters that are close to Frankenstein, but they are somewhat bland and forgettable. Dr Waldman is decent enough, but is killed early on, which was a little predictable. The film has many great moments that make you feel sympathetic for the creation. Despite having the brain of a criminal, the monster does have good intentions. I don't like the way that in the movie, Henry isn't horrified at his creation and feels like a mean person. Overall, the film has it's flaws, but the bleak atmosphere, and the stronger characters make this movie. 8/10
Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
Friday The 13th Part 2-What an Original Poster/Movie
Friday the 13th Part 2 isn't one of the strongest entries in the franchise. It isn't one of the weaker films of the franchise. Part 2 is in the middle. Run of the mill so to speak.
Steve Miner is more talented of a director than Sean Cunningham. Although he is no Joseph Zito or Tom McLoughlin. The cinematography is cleaner, although many shots are borrowed from the original. The plot is basically the same, and includes a similar jumpscare as the original. Most characters are rarely worth mentioning. Tom Savini's creativity (for the most part) is gone.
This isn't to say Part 2 is without it's strengths. Although it's a remake of the original, it's a better remake. Amy Steel is a better final girl than Adrienne King. Jason Voorhees is a compelling character (No, Michael fanboys, Jason is his own character). The atmosphere is pretty good. There are a few memorable kills. The pacing is better. The final act is no longer a William Shatner fight scene.
And this film features one of the earliest skinny-dip scenes by the fan favorite Terry played by the gorgeous model Kristen Baker. Speaking of Kristen Baker, she is absolutely stunning as Terry. Despite her short time, Kristen definitely makes me re-watch this film more than I otherwise would.
Watch at your own risk, forgettable, but important as Jason would be an iconic villain for the films to come.
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
The Quintessential Slasher of the 80s'
Joseph Zito's Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter is arguably the best entry in the series. The first three entries were of various quality. Friday the 13th (1980) was average, Friday the 13th Part 2 was solid, and Friday the 13th Part 3 was bad. However, they found the right mix for the final entry (definitely not a lie). For most slashers characters are usually second fiddle to the gore.
Final Chapter works so well because of the characters, particularly Crispin Glover, Ted White, Corey Feldman, Kimberly Beck, and Lawrence Monoson. And FINALLY, a solid ending. The previous three films contained a dream sequence after the final chase. This one ends with a bold ending. SPOILER, Jason dies and Tommy is hinted as the new killer. Sadly, that never happened. Even though I love Jason Lives, the Final Chapter was a good ending for the franchise. And the last human Jason movie until the 2009 remake (a disappointment).
Almost all of the kills are magnificently executed by Tom Savini in his best work of the series. The makeup for Jason is great as well.
The Final Chapter has some flaws, however. This is still a Friday the 13th movie and I'm sure you know the flaws of this film as well as most slashers so I won't go into detail.
This film is sometimes cheesy and ridiculous, however, this film is the most Friday the 13th in mostly good meaning. Sorry if I spoiled the ending for a thirty-six year old movie, however, the poster kind of spoils the ending anyway. If you're not a Friday the 13th fan, at least give this one and Jason Lives a try.
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
A one time movie, the weakest of the Trilogy
In this film there are many plot holes that do damage this movie, but it does contain a emotional climax with the father's death. Though Darth Vader isn't as ruthless,you can tell they made him sympathetic for this film. Mark Hamill is the weakest of this film, he tries to be a Han Solo character, but he lacks the emotion to be one, Harrison Ford tries to be Luke as well, but fails.
The highlight of this film is Leia, though she has grown soft and feminine, she is loving, sweet, adorable, beautiful, sexy, strong, and compassionate. The bikini is an sex symbol across the world. She has some strong moments like killing Jabba the Hutt. Though she has lost the independence she once had and is more about looks in this movie.
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)
A film worth only for the final battle!
This film does contain enough dedication to the mythos of these characters, but besides that it is an Supergirl story instead of about the most known superheroes:Superman and Batman like the cover apparently gives us an misleading title to pick it up. Even Wonder Woman is rarely used in this film, this had a lot of potential for the three as an group fighting villains, but it has lame, bland dialogue of Supergirl learning the ways of the Earth. Batman is only a supporting character in this film, though Superman fans will enjoy Superman's screen time.
What almost saves this film is the final battle between the two kryptonians against the tyrant Darkseid. Darkseid is vastly more powerful than Superman in this to the point where Superman can't even hurt him. Darkseid toys with him and easily punches him over the speed of light. Darkseid is a bad ass here, no one can match him and he has fun toying with the kryptonians even at the same time. Watch this for the final battle only besides, stay away from this useless story and dialogue.
King Kong (1933)
A masterful storytelling effects masterpiece
Though the effects have aged, Kong has the action and hardcore storytelling even eighty-three years later. The acting is believable enough to flow with the tale. The stop-motion master Willis O Brien does provide enough detail to display primitive jungles with filters and separate reels of film combined to make the dinosaurs come to life. Kong's battle with the airplanes is the iconic part of the movie on top of the Empire State Building. Robert Armstrong is the highlight of the film as he is a little eccentric in his search for a picture of Kong, but does show sympathy for the great ape at the end. Bruce Cabot is understandable as he isn't used to woman on board, but is more open- minded as he falls in love. Fay Wray is the scream queen of the 1930s as that is what she does mostly, the characters are fleshed out, but the Empire State Building keeps it alive; despite being stereotypical.