Saturday, September 22, 2007

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Dir. George Miller & George Ogilvie

While the final Mad Max film can't outrun the first two, director George Miller delivers a fertile depiction of order amid chaos. Max (Mel Gibson) becomes embroiled in the internal tensions of Bartertown, ruled by the imperious Aunty Entity (Tina Turner). Will ex-cop Max turn assassin? Featuring the inventive Thunderdome fight sequence, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome dishes up plenty of kick-ass action.

The Road Warrior (1981)

Dir. George Miller

In this sequel to Mad Max, Mel Gibson returns as the heroic loner who drives the roads of post-apocalyptic outback Australia in an unending search for gasoline. Arrayed against him and the other scraggly defendants of a fuel-depot encampment are the bizarre warriors commanded by The Humungus (Kjell Nilsson). The post-nuclear future meets the mythological past in this epic of action and carnage.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

The Monster Squad (1987)


Dir. Fred Dekker

Dracula, the Wolfman, Frankenstein, the Mummy and Gill Man descend on a tiny town in search of a diabolically powerful amulet. Only 12-year-old Sean (Andre Gower) and his gang of monster-obsessed misfits can save the day in this overlooked 1987 horror comedy. This 20th-anniversary edition also includes new interviews with Gower and co-stars Ryan Lambert, Duncan Regehr, Tom Noonan and writer-director Fred Dekker.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

We Are Marshall (2006)

Dir. McG

After a plane crash takes the lives of most of Marshall University's football team, new coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) must rally the surviving players and a grieving community to victory. Based on true events, this inspiring drama follows Lengyel and his assistant coach (Matthew Fox) as they try to renew Marshall's football program and help the close-knit West Virginia town find new hope. David Strathairn and Anthony Mackie co-star.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

The Beast (La Bete) (1975)

Dir. Walerian Borowczyk
Controversial filmmaker Walerian Borowczyk struck a nerve with his 1975 version of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" tale. The erotically charged French thriller centers on an American heiress destined to carry the male descendant of a failing aristocratic family that, two centuries ago, owned the rambling estate where a powerful -- and lusty -- beast roamed free. The creature haunts her dreams, but why? Could the family have a dark secret?

Saturday, September 08, 2007

What Have You Done to Solange? (Cosa avete fatto a Solange?) (1972)

Dir. Massimo Dallamano

Cinematographer Massimo Dallamano directed this giallo, a murder mystery set at an all girls school in Italy. Based on a story by Edgar Wallace, What Have You Done to Solange? follows the secret affair between a teacher and one of his students. Moody and gruesome, with a number of shocking twists, and bolstered by a superb Ennio Morricone score,this film ranks among the best giallos of the 1970s.

Monday, September 03, 2007

That Obscure Object of Desire (Cet obscur objet du désir) (1977)

Dir. Luis Buñuel

This Oscar-nominated erotic dark comedy was Luis Buñuel's final film. The story follows, in flashback, middle-aged Mathieu (Fernando Rey) and his obsession for the much younger, moody Conchita (played by both Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina). The two play a continuous tug-of-war with each other's desires, each trying to outlast the other at their own game.

Saturday, September 01, 2007

August Stats

August Total = 9
2007 Total = 98

Stats:
Rent - 3
Own - 4
Theater - 2
TV - 0
Other - 0
First Viewing - 7