Following on from the success of the original Frankenstein, this horror sequel Bride of Frankenstein is one of the most recognisable and parodied horror films of the Golden Era of Cinema. The 1930s is considered one of the great decades of horror films (along with the 1970s) and stars such as Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi were household names for playing archetypal horror … [Read more...]
Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010) review by That Film Klown
Some horror films start with a dramatic and frightening scene which drops the viewer straight into the action. Birdemic doesn't. In fact it never really starts. And it's not really a horror film. In fact it's barely a film. If you decide to watch it (don't) fast forward to exactly half way through. That way you'll only have to wait two minutes instead of 47 for anything at all … [Read more...]
Them! (1954) review by That Film Guy
Watching films can be a sometimes unsurprising activity. With the majority of films you know where you stand. Something from Christopher Nolan is likely to be psychological and non-linear, something by Quentin Tarantino is likely to be dialogue-heavy with plenty of blood and swearing and something by Michael Bay is going to be loud, shot in golden sunshine and populated with … [Read more...]
Jaws (1975) review by That Film Guy
1975 was a big year in the film industry. The golden era was over and films were in a state of nostalgic throwback to the 1950s, with homages and remakes rife. Audiences in general were dwindling and a shake-up was needed. This came in the summer from the mind of Steven Spielberg. His film Jaws, the first ever summer blockbuster, and such a commercial and critical success that … [Read more...]
The Fly (1986) review by That Film Guy
When you think of body shock horror the first director's name to come to mind is probably David Cronenberg. Always delighting in pushing the boundaries of shocking human disfigurements and transformations in film, arguably Cronenberg's most lasting and commercially successful body shock horror is The Fly. Loosely based on the 1958 original, also called The Fly, itself based on … [Read more...]
Jaws 3 (1983) review by That Film Guy
During the last 3D craze at cinemas a host of horror franchises released sequels specifically to cater to what they saw as a new market. Jaws 3, or Jaws 3D to give it its original title promised that 'the 3rd dimension, was terror. Unable to convince any of the original casts of the first two films, Jaws 3 recast Brody's children with the main lead taken by a young Dennis Quaid … [Read more...]
Jaws 2 (1978) review by That Film Guy
Three years after the release of Steven Spielberg's mega-hit Jaws came its sequel, Jaws 2. Quite why studios felt that the story of a giant shark needed a second installment, other than the potential financial rewards, is anyone's guess. But Roy Scheider returned as the lead character Chief Brody, although the majority of the other main cast did not and neither did Steven … [Read more...]
Review: Monsters (2010)
There are many remarkable things about Monsters, but to start with the basics: it cost a mere $500,000 to make, has a professional cast of two, and is the director's first feature. All the visual effects were made on director Gareth Edwards' laptop at the end of the day. Edwards has won the award for Best Director at the British Independent Film Awards. And it's one of the best … [Read more...]
Review: The Thing (2011)
[pullquote cite="" type="left, right"][amazon text=Amazon&template=carousel&chan=that film guy&asin=B006W99PRC][/pullquote] John Carpenter's The Thing, released in 1982 was a commercial flop, but has slowly created a niche for itself as a cult classic. As part of the body shock craze of the 1980s it told the story of a group of scientists, trapped in Antarctica … [Read more...]
Review: The Thing (1982)
[pullquote cite="" type="left, right"][amazon text=Amazon&template=carousel&chan=that film guy&asin=B006W99PRC][/pullquote] John Carpenter is as synonymous with horror as Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper and George A. Romero. In the late 1970s and early 1980s he developed memorable horrors like The Fog, Christine and his seminal work Halloween. One of his most enduring … [Read more...]