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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 15:19:36 GMT
stefancrosscoe Always been curious about the Guyver films. However your description of the original being childish in tone sort of turns me off. Don’t one of the beasts begin rapping towards the end? I actually like the anime, be it the convoluted ovas from late 80s and early 90s, or even the rebooted series in early 00s. But they could be rather nasty and violent in tone, and it sounds like the Guyver films (especially the first) don’t go down that path. Gee, I had no idea the sequel went for 2 hours. Damn, already I have kind of "forgotten" much of this and the sequel, just not the kind that stays in my mind, for very long. Will keep a hold of the Arrow Blu-ray, might re-watch it one day, but kind of disappointed by the so-called "superior" sequel, which sure included more gore and "darker" stuff, but felt just too damn long, and a lot of the story between the fighting sequences, were just boring as hell. The anime, I have never seen anything of, but if it follows more the dark/violent path, of part 2, then maybe it might be what I am in search of.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 15:26:12 GMT
Re-watching William Lustig’s gritty, and dour ‘Vigilante’. I forgot how great Jay Chattaway’s music score turned out. Robert Forster and Fred Williamson in total badass mode. Not forgetting Woody Strode’s cameo either. I love the upbeat and bad ass Vigilante theme, which has that Spaghetti Western revenge vibe, going so strong, and what a cast it also comes with. Did finally get to see a documentary about 42nd Street (2015) during the 70s and 80s, and where guys like William Lusting, Larry Cohen, Frank Henenlotter, Lloyd Kaufman, Greydon Clark and other prominant b-movie makers and lovers, would discuss their own tales and stories from the once notorius street, and where I think one of the funniest lines, where about the time when these non stop 24/7 sleazy cinemas, understood the power of having a double or tripple run of "random" features in a row, and where there was no stopping, in what would show up after another. In one case, you got to see Spielberg and his family friendly E.T. (1982), then straight up next (on the two movies for the price of 1) came this raw, nasty and violent revenge/exploitation flick, Vigilante (1982), and yeah, it might have been Lustig himself, who said that he actually witnessed little kids, along with their parents, sitting there, watching this everything but "family friendly" feature, not knowing what the hell happened, and yeah, must have been quite some interesting double and tripple movie bills, back in those wild and unpredictable days of the world of cinema.
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Post by politicidal on Jan 13, 2022 15:28:32 GMT
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 15:36:06 GMT
Yeah, Lustig was at the top of his game execution wise on the technical aspects. Strangely it actually wasn’t as explicit as I remembered it, outside of the child’s death . A little slower too. Before it erupts. Spinell is memorable too. I wouldn’t have known his health was bad during this film compared to something like ‘The Undertaker’. Far more noticeable in the latter. That documentary is a fascinating one if you've never checked it out. Remarkably in-depth for being only 50 minutes, and ultimately very sad when you hear the state he was in near the end of his life... I have lost count, on how many times that Spinnell Story were featured as a bonus, on all of the DVDs I have purchased over the years (of the same film) of Maniac (1980), yet somehow, I always end up watching it all the way through. Such a likeable fella, who never put in a bad performance (at least of what I have seen of him), but sadly ended up in maybe not all "great" films, and some did surely not deserve to have guys like Joe in them, to begin with. However, he seemed to live life for all it was, and then some. Sad to learn how it ended (the friendship) with guys like Sly Stallone, who seemed to maybe get a bit too "big" for himself at that time, but I guess these things happens from time to time. Always liked the "beauty and the beast" relationship he seemed to have with the lovely british scream queen, Caroline Munro, and I know I have already posted this gif, in the Lets be Frank thread, but such a cute and goofy scene, considering that most of the film is anything but that:
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 15:38:53 GMT
I had almost forgotten about this one. Actually one of the few newer action releases, that seemed rather interest (of course due to the cast that is). Just out of curiosity. How did you rate it?
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 15:46:15 GMT
Hobo with a ShotgunThis movie is just glorious chaos. It's as if a Troma movie were given a budget to work with. True, at times it tries way too hard to be transgressive and scatological and ends up coming off as kinda juvenile, but it has Rutger Hauer right in its center, lending it credibility and sincerity. He single-handedly carries this movie, and makes it far more worth watching than it would be without him.However, rewatching this one only serves to remind that this is to date the last of those Grindhouse trailers to get a movie. It's been more than ten years, whatever happened to Don't or Thanksgiving or Werewolf Women of the SS? I want a whole movie of Nicolas Cage as Fu Manchu, goddamn it! I remember how hyped up I was, when I first saw the teaser-trailer, back in (I think 2010?) and the voice over Rutger has going throughout most of it, is so well delivered and written. I could just not wait for it to be released on DVD/Blu-ray, and I got the limited edition with the bad ass grindhouse-retro looking movie poster you included in your review. Sadly, the film itself, as you so rightfully puts it, did become quite a chaotic and maybe not all that great experience, but yeah, Rutger is surely the main reason to sit through it, and I also liked the behind the camera feature, where the director and Rutger Hauer chats around, and I really hoped Hauer would maybe do a few more of this pictures. But still glad Hobo was made, and might just have to dig out both Machete and Hobo, for another double sleazy and violent revenge b-movie night, some time later this year. Thanks for the reminder and your review. I feel kind of "bad", for not replying more often to your Charles Bronson reviews, and while I have seen most of them (some more often that others), a few I have just kind of "forgotten" about, and feel I have not much to contribute, but Hard Times, yeah, that is maybe my all time favorite Bronson film, while Death Wish 3 is not far behind, but of course, the quality between the two, is not exactly very close, Hard Times is the real winner on that count.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 15:53:03 GMT
Cynthia Rothrock Double; Lady Dragon (1992) is a cheap, and grimy Indonesian martial arts action vehicle that can pack a punch. It’s a type of story that’s been done over and over again, but I’ll give it a pass since its headlined by the charismatic Cynthia Rothrock. And we get a true showcase of her bruising skills. Driven by revenge after the death of her husband during their wedding, she seeks to kill the man who she believes is responsible. No other than Richard Norton. Gleefully in hot headed bad guy persona. In a failed gung-ho attempt to kill him, she finds herself left for dead in the forest. Where she’s found by an elderly, mute man and his grandson. She’s brought back to health, and begins training to repair her broken spirit before returning to exact her vengeance. But with a little thought behind it. Predictable story threads aside, it moves quickly and you get what you’re looking for with the high energy, and grounded fight stunts accompanied by pounding drums, wailing guitars. It’s at it peak during the Rothrock and Norton final showdown. And throw in a destructively chaotic vehicle chase and Rothrock packing a rocket launcher to round it off. Also starring a sleepy looking Robert Ginty and directed by David Worth (which had some similarities to his film ‘Kickboxer’ starring Van Damme). Irresistible Force (1993) aka Power Cop was a rock soild, made for television pilot, which doesn’t beat around the bush with its taut, high stake premise. In spite of the run-of-the-mill siege set-up ala ‘Die Hard’, the action comes thick and fast courtesy of heated shootouts, and Rothrock handing out constant beat-downs to a group of militants (led by a suavely Christopher Neame) that have taken over a shopping centre holding the governor, and top officials hostage. Also Stacy Keach as her retiring cop partner gets in the on the act, and provides the dry wit. A likeable duo. Gladly it never outstays its welcome at just under 80 minutes. Have been meaning of checking up on some Cynthia Rothrock movies this winter, as it has been too damn long since last time I did so. The above (Keach and Cynthia one) looks like one that might be among the films that will be worth giving a chance. But then I notice the trio of Cyntha, Richard Norton and Robert Ginty, and well, I guess one thing at a time, but hopefully lots of enjoyable martial art b-movies to look forward in the near future.
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Post by politicidal on Jan 13, 2022 15:53:40 GMT
I had almost forgotten about this one. Actually one of the few newer action releases, that seemed rather interest (of course due to the cast that is). Just out of curiosity. How did you rate it? 6/10. Maggie Q, Michael Keaton, and Samuel L. Jackson were good as usual. The shootouts are well shot (it's a Martin Campbell joint) and it's not afraid to get dark in some moments;like this Gitmo-esque torture scene.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 15:57:50 GMT
Have not yet seen the film, but will eventually pick it up on DVD or Blu-ray (hope it is better than Spectre, as that might be one of my least favorite Bond movie, of all time). I just wished they would change that terrible generic movie poster. Reminds me of all these awful Bruce Willis DTV/VODs stuff, and I mean Bond has the look, of somone in a bad need of using the nearest toilet, kind of desperation going strong about his facial expression.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 16:00:07 GMT
6/10. Maggie Q, Michael Keaton, and Samuel L. Jackson were good as usual. The shootouts are well shot (it's a Martin Campbell joint) and it's not afraid to get dark in some moments;like this Gitmo-esque torture scene. Thanks. Sounds like I might just need to see this one.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 16:03:01 GMT
Damn, that is quite a lively cast going. Never heard of, but then again, maybe it comes with other alternative titles as well. Probably not a great film, but the cast would maybe lure me into check it up further, some day.
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Post by politicidal on Jan 13, 2022 16:04:56 GMT
Damn, that is quite a lively cast going. Never heard of, but then again, maybe it comes with other alternative titles as well. Probably not a great film, but the cast would maybe lure me into check it up further, some day. It's pretty average. But I don't know, the explosions look like shit is actually blowing up not CGI. And there's a train fight at the end and it actually looks like they're on top of a train fighting each other.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 16:07:26 GMT
2/10 Yup. Its a very dull and generic film. Bruce Willis not trying is getting funny at this point. I almost ended up watching one of his newer "classics", called APEX, but I was actually on the lookout for another "great" one, named A.P.E.X. (1994), and it seemed like several of Willis latest films, is already up on Youtube and similar sites for free. Not sure if I am tempted to go waste more time on those, but the man sure keeps busy, and how many films do he have planned for the next year? 10-12, maybe more. I had big plans of re-watching Die Hard and Die Hard during Christmas, but never got around. But of course, winter is still early, and both fits well into that theme and setting. However, I had a great re-watch of another winter explosive Renny Harlin 90s feature, in The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996), which is one of my favorite action releases of the mid 90s.
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Post by politicidal on Jan 13, 2022 17:34:18 GMT
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 19:46:24 GMT
Have Megan ended up taking the DTV/VOD route? Having not seen either of her recent films, still I cannot help but notice that several of them, seems to have movie posters and names which feels very much like yet another generic DTV/VOD release. Hell I am pretty damn sure, that I saw her included on some not far too distant Bruce Willis movie as well.
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Post by politicidal on Jan 13, 2022 19:48:40 GMT
Have Megan ended up taking the DTV/VOD route? Having not seen either of her recent films, still I cannot help but notice that several of them, seems to have movie posters and names which feels very much like yet another generic DTV/VOD release. Hell I am pretty damn sure, that I saw her included on some not far too distant Bruce Willis movie as well. For the most part, yeah kind of. I think she's been focusing on parenting lately. It doesn't help that the last major movie she did (TMNT: Out of the Shadows) was a big flop.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 19:52:35 GMT
For the most part, yeah kind of. I think she's been focusing on parenting lately. It doesn't help that the last major movie she did (TMNT: Out of the Shadows) was a big flop. Ah, well, I guess the bills has to be paid and all that. And she is still young (only in her 30s) and so it is not like the end of the career, but I have not really paid much attention to her roles after Passion Play and Jonah Hex, and I guess neither of those, either became big hits, but of course, that was not her fault, just two rather uneven and quite messy films, with lots of talents, but not much else.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 19:58:35 GMT
Speaking of Bruce Willis and Megan, not sure if it is worth to bother with, yet somehow (I know) a part of me, kind of want to see it, even though it most likely will end up in "tears" and frustration, yet again, when it comes to newer Willis DTV/VOD release. On a positive note. At least the above artwork, is slightly more "impressive" looking, than a few other I have seen of that film. I even think someone did a funny article of how they just kept recycling the same image/grumpy face of Willis, and then re-used it, without even trying to cover up the cracks.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 13, 2022 22:18:31 GMT
Will try to come back to Forced Vengeance (1982) another time, but a couple of action-thrillers seen the last week:
Hellbound (1994) by Aaron Norris
Another one of these "classic" action hero tries his luck, with the supernatural horror-thrillers of the 90s, and while it were one of those I kind of hoped would be some fun, this one, sadly turned out to be not much like that. I also think it suffered, because it was among the very last Cannon Pictures released in the 90s, and of course the once classic producing team combined of Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, were no longer alive and kicking, as they had gone their different ways.
Not sure how big the budget was, but it just felt very cheap, and of course, that does not always mean the movie will suffer, in fact the cheap and sleazy parts, has often did some favors for Cannon Films, providing huge laughs and lots of memorable scenes. But Hellbound has very little of those, in fact, the ones I can think of, is probably down to the sterotypical black mouthy sidekick, who seems to have a constant craving for food, lots of it, and yeah, it kind of early on, gets a bit too repetitive, yet the main villain is actually not all bad, and yeah, I have probably said far too much, about a not all that "great" Chuck Norris film.
The latter tries but ends up seeming like he goes on auto-pilot, for most of the time. Shame, because somewhere in there, a (probably not that much better) but more fun film could have arrived.
4/10
The Real McCoy (1993) by Russell Mulcahy
Another not exactly big experience, and a real shame, because this one seemed to have quite a talented cast going, and then also Russell Mulcahy behind the camera. But almost 2 hours and featuring a rather sleepy story and not very "groundbreaking" characters, time stood still, and if not for the more lively part of Val Kilmer, and Terrence Stamp who felt way underused here, I cannot really think of much else to bring forward.
Well, Kim Basinger of course, looked great, as always, but again, the whole film suffered from a slow paced story, and felt also more like a made for tv release, and it might have been? I am not sure. All in all, if I want a good or great robbery/heist film, I guess it will be another visit with Thief (1981), because this 1993 release did sadly not do much for me, and ended up as yet another one of those titles, that had been lying around in my watchlist for years now, but when I finally was gonna see it, it just did not deliver the goods, and not something I will bother to re-watch either.
4/10
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Post by politicidal on Jan 14, 2022 1:31:22 GMT
For the most part, yeah kind of. I think she's been focusing on parenting lately. It doesn't help that the last major movie she did (TMNT: Out of the Shadows) was a big flop. Ah, well, I guess the bills has to be paid and all that. And she is still young (only in her 30s) and so it is not like the end of the career, but I have not really paid much attention to her roles after Passion Play and Jonah Hex, and I guess neither of those, either became big hits, but of course, that was not her fault, just two rather uneven and quite messy films, with lots of talents, but not much else. She's going to be in the 4th Expendables movie so maybe that will give her a boost.
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