Phil attends the BEST F(R)IENDS: VOLUME 1 & THE ROOM W/GREG SESTERO EVENT at the 3Below Theaters & Lounge - March 20, 2019

No sooner am I all done with my coverage and film reviews from the 29th Annual Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival, I'm back in Downtown San Jose to cover yet another major cinema event! Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the special screenings of BEST F(R)IENDS: VOLUME 1 & THE ROOM W/GREG SESTERO EVENT over at the 3Below Theaters & Lounge! Needless to say, I was pretty damn excited for this one! Now, some of you out there may be familiar with Sestero's name, having written the book chronicling the making of THE ROOM and his friendship with the man responsible for it: Tommy Wiseau! His book "The Disaster Artist" was made into a Hollywood film in 2017 that starred James Franco (who also directed the film) as Wiseau and his younger brother Dave Franco as Sestero (read my review of that film here). So let's not waste anymore time and get this review started!

Original Theatrical Poster (2017)

The first film screened was the latest project featuring this dynamic duo: BEST F(R)IENDS: VOLUME 1. The film's official synopsis: When a drifter (Sestero) is taken in by a peculiar mortician (Wiseau), the two hatch an underground enterprise off the back of the mortician's old habits. But greed, hatred, and jealousy soon come in turn, and their efforts unravel, causing the drifter to run off with the spoils and leaving the mortician adrift.

I found a lot of things that I really liked in the movie, First, Sestero's script deals with universal themes that we all have experienced in our lives: friendship, love, loyalty, greed, betrayal, and death. It almost has a Shakespearean tragedy to it, but feels very contemporary. Now I thought this while I was watching the movie, wondering if this was intentional or just a happy coincidence. However, during the intermission, Sestero admitted to being very high when he wrote the script, so my question was answered. Once again, he and Wiseau play off each other so damn well and have great on-screen chemistry, and with good reason. Being friends in real life for more than a decade, they have pretty much seen it all and lived to tell about it, and they bring all that experience to their respective roles. Of course, Wiseau steals every scene he's in, but Sestero holds his own, and dare I saw, looks damn handsome! Seriously, he look s like a sexy Jesus with porn star good looks! And dreamy eyes that will warm your cold dead heart. Yeah, I went there! And speaking of dreamy eyes, where the hell did actress Kristen StephensonPino come from? Wow! Not only is she absolutely stunning, but she's a damn fine actress, who plays Sestero's love interest and is the catalyst for what happens in the third act! Even though she's only acted in a handful of movies, I'll be watching this woman's acting career with great interest! And yes, she's in Volume 2, so I gotta see what she does next!

Director Justin MacGregor has some really cool shots and compositions that help bring Sestero's script to life, keeping the movie moving at a decent pace. Plus he got some awesome drone shots! Like, a shitload of drone shots! What I also liked about his directing was that it a hybrid of both arthouse style and traditional filmmaking. I dug his style immensely and I can't wait to what he does with Volume 2.

Overall, BEST F(R)IENDS: VOLUME 1 is great cult classic/midnight movie/indie film that cult enthusiasts and brave moviegoers will love and appreciate! Fans of the Wiseau and Sestero team-up will have a blast seeing these two back up on the big screen! 4 out of 5 stars! Recommended viewing!

After the film, Sestero came up on stage and participated in a hilariously funny and engaging and informative Q&A with the audience. Afterwards, we all got up stage to meet him, take pictures with him, and get some cool swag from him! Yours truly bought the Blu-ray with both movies on it, and Sestero autographed it for me as well! Again, this is one cool, laid back guy that you need to meet!

Original Theatrical Poster (2003)

The second film in tonight's double feature was the 2003 cult classic that started it all: THE ROOM. The film's official synopsis: The film is an electrifying black comedy about love, passion, betrayal and lies, starring "The Disaster Artist" himself, writer/director Tommy Wiseau. He plays a successful banker with a great respect for—and dedication to—the people in his life, especially his best friend Mark (Greg Sestero) and future wife Lisa (Juliette Danielle). As the film depicts friendships and relationships in the lives of its five major characters, it raises life's real and most-asked question: "Can you really trust anyone?"

The is one of the most infamous films ever made!! It's widely known as one of the worst movies ever made!! And I fucking love it!! With high levels of campiness, inept dialogue, and see-through plot, insane bantering, chicken clucking, and one of the most outrageous endings ever captured on celluloid!! This is a perfect example of what a true midnight movie should be!!

It's been a long time since I've watched this movie, and despite all its faults (which there is a plethora of!), there's a lot of heart and passion found within its insanely bizarre frames. Wiseau put his heart and soul (and allegedly $6 million of his own money) into this project, with the intention that it would launch his career and make him world famous! It did, for very different reasons! If you have seen THE DISASTER ARTIST, then you know the whole story. But I give him credit, he was able to take a negative and turned it into a very popular and profitable positive! Ever since its initial release, the movie has played all over the country to packed houses at midnight screenings! If you have never seen the movie, then you need to get out of the house more often! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

And there you have it folks!! What a wild and crazy night it was here in Downtown San Jose! But the the fun has just begun! Both movies are on tour, so make sure you check your local listings to see if either film is playing at a theater near you! To learn more about BEST F(R)IENDS: VOLUME 1 and the upcoming tour screenings with Greg Sestero, visit the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bestfriendsmovie. To learn more about THE ROOM and the upcoming tour screenings with filmmaker Tommy Wiseau, visit the film's official website at theroommovie.com. To learn more about the 3 Below Theaters & Lounge, their schedule of films and shows, and ticket pricings, visit their website at 3belowtheaters.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees DEADPOOL 2 at the Cinelux Almaden Café & Lounge - May 18, 2018

I was a big fan of Deadpool long before the first film came out. He was one of the most unique, funny, and original characters in the Marvel Comics Universe (which is ironic because he was a rip off of the DC Comic's character Deathstroke). So when DEADPOOL was released to theaters, I was also one of the first ones who saw it an immediately became one of my favorite films of that year. Fast forward to today and I'm back at the Cinelux Almaden Café & Lounge to see the highly  anticipated sequel DEADPOOL 2.

The film's official synopsis: After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Mayberry's hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the Yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor - finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World's Best Lover.

Dude, seriously, this was a hilariously fucking awesome movie! The jokes come fast (pun intended) and funny, the action is a hybrid of THE MATRIX and JOHN WICK, and it builds off what the first film established. It does what a sequel should do, and all this comes courtesy of screenwriters Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Ryan Reynolds (yeah, that surprised me too) and the film's director David Leitch, who also helmed ATOMIC BLONDE and is the uncredited co-director on JOHN WICK. So, good job fellas. You guys made a lot of fanboys and fangirls very, very happy.

As for our players, they all knocked it out of the park! Reynolds brings his "A" game to out favorite "Merc with the Mouth", but this time, old Deadpool has some pathos and sympathy to go along with his wise cracking, fowl-mouthed, fourth wall breaking, ass kicking shenanigans. Josh Brolin IS Cable: the look, the voice, the mannerism, and is a badass all the way! Newcommer Zazie Beetz shines as the lucky mutant Domino, and does quite a bit of ass kicking herself. Returning actress Brianna Hildebrand is back as our favorite X-Men Negasonic Teenage Warhead, but now has a super awesome girlfriend Yukio (Shioli Kutsuna), who has a super cute friendship with Wade Wilson. Also back are Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), Weasel (T.J. Miller), Blind Al (Leslie Uggams), Dopinder (Karan Soni), and Stefan Kapicic as the voice as Colossus.

So, as always, there are end credit scenes, cause it wouldn't be a Marvel Film without end credit scenes. However, these are mid-credit scenes. There are two of them, and are fucking hysterically, gut busting fantastic!! After that, then leave the theater so you can go pee! There, I saved you five minutes of doing the "Pee-Pee Dance" in your seat.

DEADPOOL 2 is wickedly funny, outrageously funny, action packed, superhero comic book movie sequel you've been waiting for!! So shit your pants and call in sick for work, then change your pants and go see this bad boy before it comes out on Blu-Ray next week!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

DEADPOOL 2 is playing in 2D, Real 3D, and in IMAX in theaters nationwide, including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil’s Horror Watch: NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE (2016) from Hurricane Bridge Entertainment - May 3, 2018

Today's horror film has been garnering a lot of attention and acclaim. From Fangoria to Dread Central, its reputation has reached out all over the horror community. So far that, it was selected to be streamed on the horror streaming service Shudder back in February. Now that says something, however, I didn't see it on Shudder. Nope, I went and purchased a Blu-Ray copy for myself, and after watching it, I can honestly say that NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE lives up to the hype!

The film's official synopsis: Five teenage friends set out for the beach on their Spring Break vacation. Good times are cut short when one of the group, Carrie, contracts a deadly sexual transmitted disease during a bathroom stop. When they stop for the night at an isolated motel, the real terror begins when the STD virus starts running rampant, turning those infected into the living dead. However, there's more going on at the motel than meets the eye.

If there was ever a film that promotes that abstinence as well as the dangers of necrophilia, it's this film!

Writer/director Jonathan Straiton, along with co-writers Ron Bonk and Mean Gene, crafted one of the most insane, gory, fast paced, batshit crazy, darkly sexual, horror film I have ever seen! His set-ups and framing captures every joke, every bloodshed, every grotesque killing and he makes it look like a work of art! He doesn't shy away form the violence, sex, and gore; rather, he embraces the nuances and the spirit of independent filmmaking while catering to hardcore horror fans. It's his vision, he's artistic vision, that he bares on the screen, and so far, horror fans are loving it! And this was Straiton's directorial debut!! What a way to make an entrance!! I cannot wait to see his next film!!

The film's cast was another aspect that made the film so much fun to watch. Highlights for me were Rebecca C. Kasek and Trey Harrison's performances as Christine and Dirk, respectively. Both have great on-screen chemistry and I was rooting for them throughout the movie, which was a good sign. We, the audience, want to invest in our protagonists, and we we find ourselves emotionally invested in them. Toni Ann Gambale's character Carrie is one evil looking zombie, thanks to our main zombie antagonist Cornelius, played by Wayne W. Johnson.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the awesome looking special effects. Kuddos to special effects artist Colby Flinchum and Nicola Fiore for an astounding job! The actresses and actors looked great, the blood was plentiful, and the gore was sick looking!

As I said earlier, I purchased a signed Blu-Ray copy for myself on their website, and it has some very cool special features, such as: an informative Behind the Scenes feature entitled Making Something Strange, a hilarious Gag Reel, Filmmaker's Audio Commentary, Cast Auditions, and trailers to other independent horror films like THE BARN, SHE KILLS, and others. Also, you can purchase other cool memorabilia like tee shirts, stickers, buttons, key chains, posters, and iPhone cases!

NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE is one of my favorite independent horror films of 2018!! It's amazing to see so much great horror films coming out of the indie scene!! We are seeing a renaissance in the horror genre, and here is another example of a movie that fans will be watching and talking about for years to come! Just make sure you don't have sex with any corpses. 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD on the film's official website at www.nightofsomethingstrange.com. The film is also streaming on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil's Horror Watch: ANTIBIRTH (2016) from IFC Midnight/Scream Factory- Sept. 2, 2017

ANTIBIRTH Blu-Ray Cover

ANTIBIRTH
Starring Natasha Lyonne, Chloë Sevigny, Meg Tilly, Mark Webber, Maxwell McCabe-Lokos, Emmanuel Kabongo
Written by Danny Perez
Cinematography by Rudolf Blahacek
Edited by Aden Bahadori
Produced by Cole Payne, Roger M. Mayer, Natasha Lyonne, David Anselmo, Justin Kelly
Directed by Danny Perez
Originally distributed by IFC Midnight
Released by Scream Factory

I've seen some pretty bizarre horror films during my tenure here on planet Earth. While entertaining, I've often found myself scratching my head and asking myself, "Why the hell am I still watching this?" It's a question I'm sure you've all asked yourselves quite often when you're watching a movie that is utterly and completely batshit crazy. Whether it's a Troma movie, an Edward D. Wood Jr. masterpiece, or a Roger Corman cult classic, there are some movies that are so far out there, you would need a telescope to fine the plot. Case in point, the movie that I just saw entitled ANTIBIRTH, that truly falls in that "batshit crazy" category that I mentioned earlier.

The film's official synopsis: Hard-drinking, pill-popping, bong-ripping Lou (Natasha Lyonne) and her best friend Sadie (Chloë Sevigny) spend their days adrift in a drug infused haze. But one wild night out becomes a bad trip that never ends when Lou wakes up with symptoms of an unexplained, highly abnormal pregnancy. Who—or what—is growing inside her? As her due date approaches with alarming swiftness, the fear, paranoia, and conspiracy theories begin to pile up. Spiked with blasts of hallucinatory color, surreal shocks, and subversive comedy, the audacious feature debut from Danny Perez is a no-holds-barred descent into delirium.

Original Theatrical Poster (2016)

Watching the film was the equivalent of taking a handful of acid while drinking the leftover Kool-Aid from Jonestown. It's a madhouse of trippy colored lights and filters, incoherent plotline and acting that borders on spastic avant garde and high school play. So yeah, it was a batshit crazy movie to watch.

I loved watching Natasha Lyonne in the movie though. She's always been an underrated actress in my humble opinion. Having seen her shine in the 1998 indie film SLUMS OF BEVERLY HILLS, she quickly became popular and starred in films like DETROIT ROCK CITY, BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER, SCARY MOVIE 2 and the AMERICAN PIE series. Today's filmgoers will recognize her from the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black as Nicky Nichols and from the IFC series Portlandia. The film captures her eccentric and eclectic style of acting as Lou, who is balls out crazy and funny as hell. It's almost as if she's playing herself, which is like watching a brilliant trainwreck unfold before your naked eyes. Chloë Sevigny is the best friend that you love to hate cause of all the stupidly bad decisions that she makes. Together, these two fine ladies have great on-screen chemistry and bring their chaotic friendship to the big screen.

Writer/director Danny Perez isn't your ordinary, run-of-the-mill, wannabe Hollywood filmmaker. Oh no, that would be too boring and predictable. Nope, our guy wrote a script that is completely out of this world; landing somewhere between Ingmar Bergman and a John Waters storyline. It's wonky and bizarre with lighting and compositions straight out of a Dario Argento film. It's irrelevant, incomprehensible and just fucking weird. So it was pretty interesting for all the wrong reasons.

The film premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2016 and was picked up by IFC Midnight shortly thereafter. It was given a limited theatrical release before being distributed on Blu-Ray and DVD by Scream Factory in February of 2017.

ANTIBIRTH gets my vote for Best Cult Classic Film of 2017 award! If you find yourself questioning you place in the world and have difficulty accepting the sad state that your life is currently in, then this movie is right up your alley! 3 1/2 out of 5 stars! Worth watching!

ANTIBIRTH is currently available on Bu-ray and DVD. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit your local retailer or order it from Scream Factory by visiting www.shoutfactory.com. To learn more about IFC Midnight and their film library, visit their website at www.ifcfilms.com.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the show!

Phil's Horror Watch: ZOOMBIES (2016) from The Asylum - May 5, 2016

ZOOMBIES DVD Cover (2016)

ZOOMBIES
Starring: Ione Butler, Andrew Asper, LaLa Nestor, Kim Nielsen, Marcus Anderson, Brianna Joy Chomer, Aaron Groben, Kaiwi Lyman
Written by Scotty Mullen
Cinematography by Bryan Koss
Edited by James Kondelik
Produced by David Michael Latt, Paul Bales & David Rimawi
Directed by Glenn Miller
Released by The Asylum

Those crazy people at The Asylum are at it again. For those of you who may not be familiar with them, The Asylum is an independent movie studio that focuses of making really bad, generic horror movie knockoffs of major Hollywood films. From SNAKES ON A TRAIN to TRANSMORPHERS, their movies have been dubbed "mockbusters" by those in the press. However, they hit the big time when their film SHARKNADO premiered on the SyFy network back in 2013. The movie had one of the biggest ratings ever on the channel and soon there were two more sequels, a television show called Z Nation (also on the SyFy network) and even more films. The tagline for their latest movie ZOOMBIES is "It's Jurassic World of the Dead." It's kind of a stretch, but it' not a bad movie either.

The film's official synopsis: When a strange virus quickly spreads through a safari park and turns all the zoo animals undead, those left in the park must stop the creatures before they escape and zombify the whole city.

Yes, they're not denying it that this is their take on JURASSIC WORLD. Hell, even their titles is in the same font and design as last year's summer blockbuster! It takes place at a safari park that looks very similar to the one seen in JURASSIC WORLD. The only differences is that it's safari animals instead of dinosaurs and there's a virus that's turning them into crazy, killing zombie animals. As cheesy as it sounds, it's actually a very silly and entertaining movie.

The man responsible for directing the movie is Glenn Miller. If that name doesn't sound familiar, that's because it shouldn't. Miller had only directed half a dozen films including the family film SANTA CLAWS, the horror/comedy THE COED AND THE ZOMBIE and THE BELL WITCH HAUNTNG. However, you may have seen in act in a couple SyFy movies like MEGA PYTHON VS. GATOROID, MEGA SHARK VS. CROCOSAURUS as well as other Asylum flicks like AIRPLANE VS. VOLCANO, 2012: ICE AGE and the formentioned SANTA CLAWS. Miller does a good job of keeping audiences glued to their seats with....ahhh who am I kidding......we're glued to our seats because we can't believe what the hell we're watching! The obscurity and ridiculousness is off the charts! There are zombie giraffes that are eating people! Zombie giraffes!! And there's these bad CGI monkeys at the beginning of the film that look so fake. Then to top it all off, they go old school at there's a man dressed up in a gorilla suit! Nice there's parts where it's a CGI gorilla but then it cuts to the rubber gorilla suit wearing guy! It's crazy to see something like that is today's world where everything is done in the computer. However, it was kinda cool to see that again. 

ZOOMBIES is a laugh-out-loud, low budget mockbuster masterpiece that will leave you sitting in your nacho cheese infested couch and thinking to yourself, "Why in the hell am I watching this stupid piece of crap?!?" Well, I'll tell you why little Jimmy! It's entertaining! It's funny! It's stupid! It's a "so bad it's good" type of movie, but then I expected nothing less from The Asylum! So if you're looking to totally switch your brain off for the next 90 minutes, then this movie is for you! 4 out of 5 stars!! Hilariously entertaining!!

ZOOMBIES  is currently available on DVD at your local retailer. It's also available on Redbox as well as on iTunes, Amazon, Netflix, Google Play and Video On Demand. To learn more about The Asylum and their movies, visit their website at www.theasylum.cc. Also checkout their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter as well.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Horror Watch: COOTIES (2014) from Lionsgate Premire-March 5, 2016

COOTIES Blu-Ray (2015)

COOTIES
Starring: Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, Alison Pill, Leigh Whannell, Jack McBrayer, Nasim Pedrad, Jorge Garcia, Ian Brennan, Morgan Lily
Written by Leigh Whannel, Ian Brenna, Josh C. Waller
Cinematography by Lyle Vincent
Edited by Brett W. Bachman
Directed by Jonathan Milott & Cary Murnion
Distributed by Lionsgate Premire

Today's film is crazy! It's absurd! It's bloody! It's messy! It's also hysterical in a sick and twisted sort of way, With a star-studded cast, over-the-top gore and grotesque comedy, COOTIES came out of left field when it was shown on the film festival circuit but it has since gained a huge following. After finally watching the film, I can can confirm about the glowing reviews the film has garnered since then. So what did think about this movie? Well, I'll tell you since you asked me so nicely.

The film's official synopsis: When a cafeteria food virus turns elementary school children into killer zombies, a group of misfit teachers must band together to escape the playground carnage. The film stars Elijah Wood (The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings), Rainn Wilson ("The Office"), and Alison Pill ("The Newsroom") as teachers who fight to survive the mayhem while hilariously bickering in an uncomfortable love triangle on the worst Monday of their lives.

The premise of killing children is one of the biggest taboos in the film industry and remains very controversial to this day. However, screenwriters Leigh Whannel, Ian Brenna and Josh C. Waller firmly plant the tongue in the proverbial check as they constructed one of the best dark comedies about offing of kids. How do you do that? Make them zombies and then kill them all off in the most over-the-top and spectacular ways possible! Plus, by flipping the standard formula around and make the zombie kids the antagonists and the adults are heroes, the film breaks away from the traditional trappings of the horror genre and keeps it fresh and exciting, while throwing in a good dose of extremely dark humor for good measure.

Festival Movie Poster (2014)

Directors Jonathan Milott & Cary Murnion make their directorial debuts and these guys knock it out of the park. Their framing, set-ups and pannings perfecting captures the sheer outrageousness and violent bloodshed plus the wonderful humor of the film. Balancing the fine line between horror and comedy, the keep swinging the pendulum evenly without having it stay in one genre for too long. Currently, these two gentlemen are currently working on their sophomore project entitled BUSHWICK so I can't wait to see that one!

The film has one of the best ensemble casts ever! For crying out loud, you have Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, Alison Pill, Leigh Whannell, Jack McBrayer, Nasim Pedrad, Jorge Garcia up in this film! And each one of them brings something special to their individual character. Wood and Wilson have awesome on-screen heat between them as we all know Wilson plays an excellent douchebag! And in the film he plays a douchebag gym teacher! So you know you gonna love to hate him. Miss Pill is great as the lovely an sweet Lucy. Overall, the entire cast is excellent in the film!

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January of 2014 at their midnight screening. It was finally picked up by Lionsgate and the film received a limited theatrical release in 2015. But for some reason, the studio decided to release it on Blu-Ray, DVD and Video On Demand instead of actually getting behind the film and push it into theaters. This saddens me dearly because there's so many great off-the-wall, original and terrifying horror films that are being made in the independent world that it doesn't get a proper release. This bugs the hell out of me. If a studio picks up a film that's amazing then they should book it into theaters so audiences can go out and see it. That's why people make films. Ans since there's so much crap being put out by Hollywood, seeing this on the big screen would've have bee a great experience to share with the horror community.

COOTIES is a modern day cult classic that is destined to be seen by the masses! It has everything a horror fan would want and then some. Blood, guts, humor, gore, dead kids, it's fun for the whole family. So wake the kids up and bring grandpa into the living room and have fun watching this movie! 4 out of 5 stars! Recommended!

COOTIES is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. The movie is also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand. 

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees DEADPOOL from 20th Century Fox-February 14, 2016

Before Marvel Studio came into excistance, 20th Century Fox were the ones making movies based on Marvel's most popular properties. The X-MEN franchise plus the WOLVERINE spin offs and the FANTASTIC FOUR films were huge hits at the boxoffice (OK maybe not so much the FANTASTIC FOUR films because those were pretty shitty but Jessica Alba was smoking hot in them though). When X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE came out in 2009, the film introduced a mouthy little mutant named Deadpool, portrayed by the one and only Ryan Reynolds. This movie version of the popular Marvel character resembled nothing like its comic book source and it was met with some very negative feedback. Fans wondered if they would ever get an authentic Deadpool origin movie. Fast forward to this past Valentine's Day weekend and I took my fiancé to see DEADPOOL at our local theater.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2016)

The film's official synopsis: This is the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson (Reynolds again), who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

At this point, I usually give my thoughts and opinions about the film. However, I thought it would be more fun to just list what I loved about the film (and it has nothing to do with me being lazy or anything like that).

1) Ryan Reynolds portrays Wade Wilson aka Deadpool perfectly. He stays very faithful to the Marvel Comics character. He really is the Merc with the Mouth: a funny smart ass who's also a bad ass that kills a lot of people and has the best one-liners in the whole world. What's not love about this guy? Oh, and he takes pot shots at BLADE 2, GREEN LANTERN and his shitty version of Deadpool from X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE. 

2) Director Tim Miller makes his feature length debut and knocks it out of the park! He captures the violent and the randomness that made the comic books so popular to begin with. Plus he keeps the movie going while giving the audience the chance to get emotionally involved with our characters before shit hits the fan. Great set-ups, awesome directing, two big thumbs up to you Mr. Miller and congrats on making a big splash with your debut buddy!

3) Hats off to screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese for crafting one of the most hilarious, profanity filled, sexual innuendo intended, over-the-top violence and pop culture referenced script that made me laugh my ass off! What's interesteting about the comics is that Deadpool always breaks the fourth wall; he talks directly to the reader, he knows that he's a character in a comic book and he's constantly referencing to the pop culture of today and says the worst things at the wrong time. These two were able to capture the spirit of the comic and the character spot-on!!

3) Well, hello there Morena Baccarin, who portrays Deadpool's hot, sexy, sassy, sexy, caring, sexy, loving, sexy, beautiful, sexy (did I mention she was sexy?) girlfriend Vanessa. Now, I was surprised seeing her in the film because she plays Dr. Leslie Thompkins on the hit DC Comics television show Gotham. And here she she doing a sex scene in an R-rated Marvel property film. Damn girl you got some big balls there! And good for you! You were fantastic in the film! You were tough, compassionate, dramatic, and your awesome on-screen chemistry with Reynolds made it feel more real. We cared about your character and we believed in your performance so congrats on an excellent job Morena!!

4) Stan Lee's cameo is fucking awesome! 'Nuff said!!

5) One must give credit to Deadpool's creators. Artist Rob Liefield and writer Fabian Nicieza debuted him in the now classic New Mutants #98 back in 1991 (holy crap I'm old!). I don't think they had a clue as to just how popular he was destined to become. Believe it or not, I still have that issue in my collection and I just recently found it. Awwwwww.......how I miss the simplicity of my younger days. Anyway, in the intro of the movies there's a Starbucks coffee cup and the name on it says Rob L. Just one of the many Easter Eggs to look for in the film.

6) Speaking of the film's intro, the opening credits are freaking hysterical! Instead of listing everybody's names, the use generic descriptions like Miller is credited as "An Overpaid Tool" while Reynold's is "God's Perfect Idiot." Then there's Baccarin as "The Hot Chick", Lee's billed as "A Gratuitous Cameo" and the screenwriters billed themselves as "The Real Heroes Here." Now imagine reading these credits while watching a vehicle with Deadpool killing its passengers in mid flip with Juice Newton's "Angel of the Morning" playing the background and you get an idea of the tone of the movie.

7) Did I mention it was violent as hell? Oh yeah it's fucking brilliant! Heads getting blown off, bodies crashing into freeway signs, heads getting chopped off, it's just brilliant!! 

8) The numerous references to pop culture is abundant, not to mention the poking fun at the X-MEN and WOLVERINE films. Oh and stick around after the end credits because there's two bonus scenes at the end (What? I'm not spoiling it for you people. It's a Marvel film. There's always a bonus scene at the end of the credits. Where the hell have you been hiding?).

9) For all you ladies out there that are being dragged kicking and screaming by your significant other (because that's the politically correct thing to say) to see this movie, there's something for you here: it's a love story. Granted, it's a love story that filled with raunchy humor, explosions and foul language but there's heart in this movie. So, there you go. Yeah. Moving on now.

So, in case you were wondering, DEADPOOL is a fucking party bus movie filled with laughs, guns, mutants, romance, strippers and so much awesome action that you'll shit your pants with excitement! This is the perfect to movie to have sex while eating a chimichanga smothered in red sauce with a dollop of sour cream to give it that right flavor! And you're probably wondering what the he'll I'm talking about! To be honest I don't have a clue either! Just go an see this movie!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

DEADPOOL is currently playing in theaters as well as in IMAX nationwide. Check your local theater for show times. 

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil Gets Tromatized: THE TOXIC AVENGER (1984) from Troma Entertainment-Feb. 8, 2016

THE TOXIC AVENGER Blu-Ray/DVD (2015)

THE TOXIC AVENGER

Starring: Andree Maranda, Mitch Cohen, Mark Torgl, Jennifer Babtist, Cindy Manion, Robert Prichard, Gary Schneider, Pat Ryan

Written by Joe Ritter, Gay Partington Terry & Lloyd Kaufman

Cinematography by Lloyd Kaufman & James A. Leobovitz (James London)

Edited by Richard W. Haines

Produced by Lloyd Kaufman & Michael Herz

Directed by Michael Herz & Lloyd Kaufman (Samuel Weil)

Distributed by Troma Entertainment

Hello everybody and welcome to a brand new segment entitled Phil Gets Tromatized. Here, I'll be reviewing the many, many films that Troma has released over the past 42 years. Now some movies are classics, some alright and there are those that suck horribably. However, for my inaugural entry, I'll be talking about the most famous hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength and the first superhero from New Jersey: THE TOXIC AVENGER.

The film's official synopsis: Meet little Melvin. He's a 98lbs loser who works at the Tromaville Health Club where he gets picked on a lot. But when a practical joke goes awry, Melvin falls into a vat of chemical waste, thus transforming him into a hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength. Melvin becomes The Toxic Avenger, the first superhuman from New Jersey! Soon Toxie is fighting crime and cleaning up Tromaville, much to the chagrin of its fat corrupt Mayor Peter Belgoody (Pat Ryan). But can Toxie and his blind and beautiful girlfriend Sara (Andree Maranda) survive the wrath of the mayor's revenge?

Original Teaser Poster (1984)

Every time I watch this movie, I feel like I'm eighteen years-old again. Being a movie lover, I had never seen anything like this. It was absolutely amazing to watch. Kaufman and Herz also added social commentary to the film, touching on issues like chemical waste, the environment, the underdog becoming the hero and more. There's always something interesting to look for in a Troma movie.

This is the film that put Troma on the map. Originally, nobody wanted to see the film. But when it was booked at the midnight screenings at the Bleeker Street Cinema, the word of mouth spread. Soon there were lines around the block. With its gratuitous nudity, gore, the infamous head crushing scene, toilet humor, and not so special effects, the film went on to win the hearts of fans and became an instant cult classic! The film has spawned three sequels to date (with a fourth one in the works), a children's cartoon show, merchandise, action figures, books, games, etc. Troma had created their own mascot and the world hasn't been the same since. The little New York independent film studio had just became part of pop culture and film history.

To this day, I still get excited whenever I watch the THE TOXIC AVENGER. And finally, after years of seeing the movie on edited VHS copies, Troma released a director's cut of the film back in the mid 90's. Now in the 21st century, it has been transferred on to Blu-Ray and it looks phenomenal. As a result, a whole new generation of fans can now discover this cult classic in hi-definition and get the same kind of excitement as I have been experiencing for the past 22 years. 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE TOXIC AVENGER is now available on both standard DVD and as a Blu-Ray/DVD combo. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit your local retailer or visit the Troma website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE HATEFUL EIGHT from The Weinstein Company-January 3, 2016

So for my first film to review for 2016, there was really only one choice. Now the name Quentin Tarantino conjures up a plethora of images and one-liners that most people associate with him. After all, this is the man who brought us some of the most original and most violent images ever captured on film. RESERVOIR DOGS, PULP FICTION, JACKIE BROWN, KILL BILL VOL. 1 & 2, GRINDHOUSE: DEATH PROOF, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS and DJANGO UNCHAINED are works of art that attract both critical praise and uproarious controversy. With his latest film THE HATEFUL EIGHT, Tarantino continues this streak while entertaining and shocking audiences worldwide.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie's Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Demian Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all…

The film also stars Channing Tatum (Jody), James Parks (O.B Jackson), Dana Gourrier (Minnie Mink), Zoë Bell (Six-Horse Judy), Gene Jones (Sweet Dave), Keith Jefferson (Charly), Lee Horsley (Ed), Craig Stark (Chester Charles Smithers), and Belinda Owino (Gemma) as well as Tarantino as the Narrator.

First, let's get something cleared up. This is a Quentin Tarantino film. It's full of Quentin Tarantino humor, Quentin Tarantino over-the-top violence, Quentin Tarantino film references, Quentin Tarantino profanity, Quentin Tarantino racial slurs, and of course, Quentin Tarantino colorful cast of characters. So those who don't like this, then don't see it. Period. But don't criticize and bash it IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT!! It really pisses me off when people verbally trash a movie that they haven't seen!! You may think you know what you're saying, but in the end you're just talking out of your narrow minded ass!! So do us all a favor and knock that shit off!!

Oh, by the way, I really loved this fucking movie!!

Quentin Tarantino shot the movie on film stock, but not on just any old film stock but on 70mm film stock! This I found very interesting and somewhat perplexing since the majority of the movie takes place in one location. However, this is Tarantino that we're talking about so I'll let it pass. Now I saw this at my local movie theater chain so I didn't get to view his full vision of the film. The Weinstein Company is roadshowing the film in 70mm special theaters and it contains 12 minutes not seen in regular theaters so it looks like I'll be seeing this one again soon.

THE HATEFUL EIGHT is in my humble opinion Quentin Tarantino's best film ever! And I have seen all his films (all eight that he's made but you know what I mean) and it has everything you want in a holiday film and more. So bring grandma and have share a laugh while you two watch eight people beating, shooting, cussing and killing one another! Oh, and if it's playing in 70mm then go see that version! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE HATEFUL EIGHT is playing in theaters nationwide. The film is also being shown in limited 70mm screenings at selected theaters as well. In the Sacramento area, it's playing at the Tower Theatre in 70mm for a limited time. To view screen times, visit their website at www.readingcinemasus.com/tower.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees AMERICAN ULTRA from Lionsgate-December 8, 2015

So, today's film has been receiving a lot of mixed reviews. Some have praised the film saying it's an action packed dark comedy that it'll entertain the hell out of you from start to finish, while others complained saying it wasn't at all funny and it's a BOURNE IDENTITY spoof. Regardless of these, when I saw the trailer for the film, I knew that I wanted to see it. Which leads me to today's review of the film AMERICAN ULTRA.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Small-town stoner Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) spends most of his time getting high and writing a graphic novel about a superhero monkey. What Mike doesn't know is that he was trained by the CIA to be a lethal killing machine. When the agency targets him for termination, his former handler Victoria Lasseter (Connie Britton) activates his latent skills, turning the mild-mannered slacker into a deadly weapon. Now, the utterly surprised Mike must use his newfound abilities to save himself and his girlfriend Phoebe Larson (Kristen Stewart) from getting wasted.

I can see why the film had received mixed reviews. The trailer doesn't do the film justice. This is funny film with lots of cool action, great characters and dark humor that will tickle your warped and twisted funny bone. This is not your Hollywood film by any means. Usually the only films that are like this are usually from the Coen Brothers. So viewing this film was a delight. It's so offbeat and not like those other action films. Think Quentin Tarantino film meets Cheech and Chong and you'll get the idea of what I'm talking about.

Director Nima Nourizadeh made his big screen debut with the 2012 film PROJECT X. Here he goes in a different direction; replacing teen shenanigans with off-the-wall action and comedy that propels the movie to another stratosphere. Nima keeps the film moving forward while giving us laughs, action and fun characters to root for. And there is a lot of cool action scenes that so bloody and violent that fans of the genre will love it.

As for the cast, the one that really stands out is Kristen Stewart. Yes I know, her acting in those awful TWILIGHT movies were just mind-numbingly bad, but since then her acting has become rather good. Here, her character is actually two different people: the sweet, funny naive girlfriend Phoebe and the bad ass, take charge, shoot 'me up FBI agent Pheobe. Her performance is great and she's doing most of her own stunts. So big props goes out to Miss Stewart. Love to see where her career goes now.

For some stupid reason, Lionsgate just dumped the film out to theaters without a lot of press or any kind of promotions. So it didn't even make its budget back. The film took in about $15 million total but it cost $28 million to make, so I don't understand Lionsgate's logic. But then, that's Hollywood for you. I guess they were too busy promoting some other film rather than give this on some love and attention it so rightly deserves.

So AMERICAN ULTRA is one helluva crazy, blood soaked, guns blazing, action packed dark comedy that will sure give you something to smile about! So if you're in the mood to see something rather different' then this movie is righ up our alley. 4 put of 5 stars!! Definitely worth viewing!!

AMERICAN ULTRA is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. The movie is also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE WOLF OF WALL STREET at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-January 1, 2014

Happy New Years everybody!! While the majority of the world was hungover, I stepped out to the Camera 7 in the Pruneyard Shopping Center over in Campbell to see the newest film from the American auteur director Martin Scorsese. Now Mr. Scorsese has directed some of the greatest films of the last part of the 20th Century: MEAN STREETS, TAXI DRIVER, RAGING BULL, THE LAST WALTZ, THE COLOR OF MONEY, GOODFELLAS, and CASINO. In this millennium, he continued his amazing streak with GANGS OF NEW YORK, THE DEPARTED (the film that finally won him his first Oscar), SHUTTER ISLAND, and the amazing and wonderful family film HUGO. Now he returns to the silver screen with many have said to be his best film ever. And THE WOLF OF WALL STREET truly lives up to all the hype and the acclaim!

The film's synopsis: Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a Long Island penny stockbroker who served 36 months in prison for defrauding investors in a massive 1990s securities scam that involved widespread corruption on Wall Street and in the corporate banking world; from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.

First off, all I can say is WOW!! This was one funny, insane, crazy, sexy, provocative, dramatic films that I have ever seen!! But then again, this is a Scorsese film, so what did I expect? You know you're gonna see something different and unique. But this...this is an entirely different beast!

Now as you know, the movie is based on the real life exploits of Belfort, and the movie captures all of the good, the bad, and the ugly as well at the wild, the crazy, and the overindulgence! It's a miracle that this man not only survived it all, but that he remembers it all!! I mean all the events that we see in the film took place in the 80's and early 90's. That was more than twenty years ago people! I barely remember what I had for breakfast this morning!! I mean, keep this in mind when you're watching this film: this man can handle a lot of drugs!!

Bringing Belfort to life is none other then Leonardo DiCaprio, who once again shows us just how insanely talented he is. And let's face it; than man was outstanding in the movie! He just turn it on and he cracks it all the way up to 11. And he has to because to portray Belfort, he had to really go for it. Leaving the comfort zone way behind, DiCaprio depicts him as an egotistical, greedy, misogynistic, drug addict that you love to hate. But here's the catch: you don't really hate him! Rather, you are in awe of this crazy man! Look at him and one sees the American dream come to life. In real life Belfort went from having nothing to having everything then having nothing again. It's almost like a Greek tragedy, expect nobody dies and he gets to have lots of money and power, do massive amounts of cocaine and Quaaludes, live in a humongous mansion, have an hot trophy wife (Margot Robbie as his wife Naomi Lapaglia), and have control over Wall Street!

Oh, and i just want to say that I would do anything if I could have Margot Robbie as my wife! Good lawd she is so damn hot and sexy and gorgeous and sexy and sassy and sexy and beautiful sexy in the film! Did I mention she was sexy? Ok good, I was trying to make a point there.

Also, just a friendly FYI, if you are offended of the word "Fuck" then this isn't the movie for you. In fact, I recently read somewhere that the movie has the word "Fuck" more times than any other movie in film history! It has more cursing in its three hours running time than the entire series of The Sopranos!! Seriously, that is a lot of swearing!!

Now the film has received its fair share of backlash, mostly from critics and select groups that say it's very misogynistic towards women and showcases them as just sex objects and glorifies drug use. OK, let me just state the obvious: THE FILM IS TOLD FROM JORDON BELFORT'S POINT OF VIEW! THIS WAS HIS LIFE AND THIS IS WHAT HE DID AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED!! Period! Now if it was based on a story that was a collabration with those who were there, then this would be an entirely different movie. But alas, it is not. So therefore, it is all based on Belfort's experiences and his alone. This is how he lived. This is what happened. And this is how it's shown here.

Overall THE WOLF OF WALL STREET is an all-out, balls-to-the-wall, funny, sexy, and entertaining movie!! And it's one my picks for Best Film at the Oscars!! Martin Scorsese knows how to make movies and you should go out and see this right now!! I'm planning on see this film again! But first I need to pop a few Quaaludes and snort a couple of lines of Coke! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees AMERICAN HUSTLE at the Camera 7 Pruneyard Campbell-December 21, 2013

I love the 1970's. I love the clothes, the music, the colors, the television shows, the toys, the looks, the sounds, and, of course, the movies. I love it all! Of course it doesn't hurt that I was born in the 70's and I remember it all so very vividly! So whenever I hear that there's a modern day film that takes place during that far out time, I will be the first person in line to see said film. So when I saw the trailer for AMERICAN HUSTLE, I knew I had to see when it came out. And that's exactly what I did!

The film's official synopsis: A fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation, American Hustle tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that's as dangerous as it is enchanting. Jeremy Renner is Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving's unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down.

Writer and director David O. Russell (along with co-writer Eric Singer) once again knocks it out of the park with this film that is absolutely amazing! What I really enjoyed about the film was that story, which was so brilliantly written. It was a joy to watch the film's story unfold and to hear these larger than life characters speak. There is that element of surprise which I loved. But because you don't really know what's going to happen next, and you don't know what these characters are going to do, that really intrigues me and I sat impatiently in my chair and watched the film with a big 'ole smile on my face.

Once again Russell brought back his dynamic duo of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence from last year's award winning film SILVER LINING PLAYBOOK. Christian Bale gets lost in another character, and his Irving is a character you love to hate. Well, hate is too strong of a word, but he is very sleazy! Bale turns in an awarding performance that will no doubt make the folks over at the Academy stand up and notice.

Amy Adams does it again; giving another Oscar-winning performance as Irving's love interest and partner Sydney Prosser. Here Amy goes in deep, pretending to be English and talking with an English accent (which by the way is so damn hot!) and has great on-screen chemistry with Bale. Now a lot of people will be talking about Amy's low, low low, low neck, cleavage revealing dress that she wears at the governor's party. Yes it's very risque. Yes, it's very sexy. And yes, she looks absolutely breathtaking in it that, if you're like me and wear glasses, they will fog up on you!

Another sexy siren actress showing what she's got is Jennifer Lawrence as Irving's lovable and clueless wife Rosalyn. Again she gives a performance that will no doubt earn her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She's funny, sassy, annoying, and down right sexy! Her white evening gown for the fore mentioned governor's party is just stunning. And her on-screen kiss with Amy's Sydney has been the talk of the town. I'll just end it right there.

Bradley Cooper keeps on surprising me with his acting chops. Here his portrayal of FBI agent Richie DiMasois ambitious, self-righteous, and naive. He really brings a lot of depth to the character throughout the course of the film. Even in the scene when he's having dinner with his family and he has those little pink curlers in his hair, he still pulls it off with a straight face and doesn't make it too tongue-in-cheek. Now that's acting people!

AMERICAN HUSTLE is flat out an amazing film to see from start to finish! This is what great American cinema should be! Go see this film over and over again!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

AMERICAN HUSTLE is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER at the Camera 7 Pruneyard Campbell-November 10, 2012

It's been a very long time since I ventured out to theCamera 7 in the Pruneyard Campbell. There were several films there that I've been wanting to see. So I cleared out my schedule and made the theater my home last weekend! The first film I saw was the amazing indie film THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER.

Isolation, lonliness, anxiety, and friendship are just some of the emotions and topics one can expect from the film. Some of us (including me) had a difficult time adapting to serious changes. However, nothing is more nerve racking than being a freshman in high school. Let the pain begin.

Set in Pittsberg in the late 80's, the film focuses on 15 year-old freshman Charlie (Logan Lerman from PERCY JACKSON and 3:10 TO YUMA). Charlie is your typical, shy, awkward teenager who's slow on making friends, with the exception of his English teacher Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd in a rare non-comedic role). He's soon adopted by a couple of seniors who are on the fringe with the rest of their class: the charming and eclectic Sam (Emma Watson from HARRY POTTER series) and her charasmatic gay stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller from WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN). Charlie eventually becomes enfatuated with Sam, even though she is already seeing someone, but we learn that she has a history and habit of making bad romantic choices. But that doesn't stop him from loving her, as he learns that they have more in common than they will ever realize.

The film was written and directed by Steven Chbosky, and based on his own popular 1999 novel of the same name. Right away, we know that this was a labor of love for Chbosky. Every scene was about him, or a memory, or an incident that forever changed his life. Some of my favorite scenes are when Charlie, Sam and Patrick and all of their friends take part in acting out THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. Now in case you forgot (and shame on you if you did), I attend regular monthly screenings of this paticular movie over at the Camer 3 in Downtown San Jose. It's so much fun to see my friends from Barely Legal acting out along with ROCKY. This hit home with me and it was so cool to see this represented in the film and see Charlie graduating from being a spectator to becoming a Rocky! Very cool to see!

But it's not all fun and games for Charlie. Because he's so quiet and trusting, all the seniors in the group begin telling him their secrets that causes him a great deal of pressure. Add that he's also dealing some very deep personal trauma and you have one kid that is ready to explode.

The film also touches on some of the more traditional subject matters that teens can relate to: sex, drugs, music, crushes, mixed tapes, and just being young and in love. It's hard to imagine that there's life after high school. I thought I'd be there forever (only because it felt like forever). Now when I look back I laugh at all the things that I thought were so important. "OMG that girl I like just found out that I like her and now what am I going to do now that she knows!" Yup, to be young and naive. Glad that part is over and done with.

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER is touching, poetic look at teen agnst and young love set to the David Bowie song "Heroes." It just doesn't get any better than that folks. This was an amazing cinematic experience for me because I could totally relate to it. And I bet all you people out there will too. 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER is currently playing at select theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 24: Phil reviews FRANKENHOOKER (1990) Blu-Ray from Synapse Films-Oct. 24, 2012

FRANKENHOOKER Blu-Ray Cover (2011)

FRANKENHOOKER
Starring:James Lorinz, Patty Mullen, Louise Lasser
Written by  Robert "Bob" Martin & Frank Henenlotter
Produced by James Glickenhaus
Directed by Frank Henenlotter
Originally released by Shapiro-Glickenhaus Entertainment
Distributed by Synapse Films

Hello again my friends! Let's get Day Twenty-Four started, shall we? Today's film is another hybrid film that is equal parts horror and comedy, which has made the film such a huge cult classic!  From director Frank Henenlotter comes his infamous cult film FRANKENHOOKER!

The film's about a medical student dropout named Jeffery Franken (James Lorinz) whose fiancée Elizabeth Shelly (Patty Mullen) is accidentally killed in a tragic lawnmower accident. The only thing he could save of her was her head. Determined to bring her back, Jeffery ventures out to the red light district in New York City and lures several prostitutes back to his seedy hotel room to pick out body parts for his Elizabeth. Things go horribly wrong when the prostitutes mistake Jeffery's vile of explosive superdrug for rock cocaine and they begin to smoke it, leading them to all simultaneously explode. Jeffery returns to his garage lab and, using all the dead prostitute pieces, rebuilds his fiancée, but it backfires as the resurrected Elizabeth now thinks she's a hooker.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1990)

Henenlotter directed the film and co-wrote it with Robert Martin. Henenlotter originally met with producer James Glickenhaus to pitch his film INSECT CITY. Glickenhaus passed on the project but asked him what else he had. Believe it or not, Henenlotter made up the plot for the film on the spot! Glickenhaus loved the idea and gave it the go ahead (along with BASKET CASE 3). The film was originally released on June 1, 1990 with a budget of $2,500,000, but the film only grossed $205,068. However the film was given a new lease on life on VHS, thanks to a clever and effective cover box gimmick: when the subway lamp post was pressed by a customer, the box spoke back with the line, "Wanna date?" It also didn't hurt that actor Bill Murray gave it a great review, "If you see one movie this year, it should be FRANKENHOOKER." The film has been released in edited and uncut versions for years, which leads us to the Blu-Ray release.

Synapse Films has done a great job with this release, which is the uncut version of the film. The transfer looks incredible, considering how old the film is. The colors are bright, the picture quality is sharp and crisp, and the detail is amazing! You can see everything from the blades of grass to the dirty NYC sidewalks. For the special features, there's an audio commentary with Henenlotter and Make-Up Effects Designer Gabe Bartalos, A Salad That Was Once Named Elizabeth: Interview with Patty Mullen featurette, A Stitch in Time: The Make-Up Effects of Frankenhooker documentary, Turning Tricks: Jennifer Delora Remembers Frankenhooker featurette, Jennifer Delora's Frankenhooker Photo Scrapbook featurette, and the film's original theatrical trailer.

FRANKENHOOKER is more comedy than horror, but it is a true cult classic, brimming with hilarious one-liners, a mad scientist, exploding hookers, death by lawnmower, and the amazing Patty Mullen who gives one of the best performances ever captured on celluloid. This is what I call "The perfect cult film." This Blu-Ray makes the perfect Christmas gift, so make sure you buy one for each member of your family! And have fun watching it on Christmas morning! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

FRANKENHOOKER is currently available on Blu-Ray at your local retailer and also on the Synapse Films website. To purchase a copy, visit http://synapse-films.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil sees DARK SHADOWS at the Camera 7 Runeyard Campbell-May 18, 2012

I'm just gonna go ahead and say this right off the bat: Tim Burton has not made an original film since EDWARD SCISSORHANDS and that was way back in 1990! And while A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS was very groundbreaking and original and his followup CORPSE BRIDE still played on this dark theme concept, his live action films have been, putting it mildly, crap. So it came to no surprise when I saw his latest film DARK SHADOWS, I knew it wasn't gonna be good. And lo and behold, I was correct.

Based on the old ABC American Gothic soap opera created by Dan Curtis that ran from June 27, 1966, to April 2, 1971, this "re-imagination" stars Johnny Depp (how original) as Barnabas Collins, the only son of wealthy parents Joshua and Naomi Collins. In the year 1752, the Collins family travels to the New World from England settles in Collinsport, Maine, named after them and because of their fishing business. Two decades after his parent's death, Barnabas is a young man; is rich, powerful and the master of Collinwood Manor. However things go sour for him when he scorns the heart of a witch named Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green), who kills his fiance, turns him into a vampire and buries him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed and emerges into the year 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his estate has fallen into ruin. Inside he meets his now dysfunctional Collins family: patriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer),  her daughter Carolyn (Chloe Moretz), her brother Roger Collins (Jonny Lee Miller) and his son David (Gulliver McGrath), David's doctor Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), David's governess Victoria Winters (Bella Heathcote), and their groundskeeper/butler Willie Loomis (Jackie Earle Haley). Barnabas plans to rebuild the family business to its former glory, but when he discovers that the competitor is owned and operated by none other than Angelique, their bitter feud reignites once more, with yet again the Collins family hanging in the balance.

So the only items I enjoyed about the film was the set design and the cinematography. The sets of the grand Collinwood Manor were indeed extraordinary and impressive; creating the look of a magnificent old English castle that came complete with secret rooms and passages. Cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel did a great job capturing the images, but other than these two items, the rest of the film fell flat on its face.

Half the time I didn't know if the film was supposed to be campy, scary, funny, or dark. All these elements were never fully balanced in my opinion and this caused me to question the film the entire time I was watching it. I did laugh when I was supposed to, some scenes were scary visually, but a lot of the performances were too over the top or under developed. Depp came off like a cross between Nosferatu and Grandpa from THE MUSTERS complete with a hideous bangs. Pfeiffer's acting was too stiff, and Haley's character didn't really need to be there. I could go on for days as to what was wrong with the film, but I don't have the time nor the patience, so I'll just say this: Tim Burton need to get a real job now.

DARK SHADOWS just plain sucks! There, is said it! It sucks, it's stupid, it's lame, it's proof that Burton needs to get back to his roots and create something original other taking existing properties and remaking them. So skip this film all together and see something else. One out of five stars.

DARK SHADOWS is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees YOUNG ADULT at the Camera 12-December 17, 2011

After seeing BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY at the Camera 3, I walked over to the Camera 12 and saw another great film. Starring the beautiful and talented Charlize Theron, YOUNG ADULT is the newest film by director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody, the creative team that brought us the Academy award-winning film JUNO.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

In the film Theron portrays recently divorced Mavis Gary, a Minneapolis based author of young adult books and a ranging alcoholic who returns to her hometown of Mercury, Minnesota to win back her high school sweetheart Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson). However, Buddy his happily married to his wife Beth (Elizabeth Reaser) who has just given birth to their first child. But in Mavis' eyes, this is just a small hurdle as she plans to reclaim her love. The only other person in on her plan is Matt Freehauf (Patton Oswalt) who she meets at her old bar haunt and strikes up an unusual friendship. Mavis sinks and goes to great hilarious lengths to reclaim her former boyfriend.

Here is a film that reminds us the sometimes its' best not to live in the past for too long. Theron's Mavis is obsessed with her past, reliving her glory days right at the beginning of the film, as she drives back to Mercury while listening to a mixed tape that reminds her of her Buddy. Mavis is somewhat taken back of  how small and pathetic her hometown is still. Theron's performance is fantastic, portraying Mavis with humor, nastiness, and with a touch of vulnerability. She still thinks she's more popular than anyone else and still acts like the world revolves around her. Her dependency on alcohol is hilarious, whether she's at her local dive bar to Buddy's daughter's naming party. But on the flipside, Mavis is shown to be unhappy, even through she claims she's busy with work and says that Buddy is "trapped" in his marriage and that she can free him. But free him from what? A happy life, a beautiful wife, and a beautiful child? Things for Buddy are great, which only makes Mavis even more upset and more determined to steal Buddy back.

Both Reitman and Cody have done a marvelous job at creating this very funny and very dark comedy that I thoroughly enjoyed watching. I could really relate to Mavis: I too sometimes live in the past. Sometimes we all do this to hide from the present. Sometimes we really wish we could relive old glory days, thinking that those were our best days. But we have to remember that the best days are still in front of us. We just have to remember that it's nice to visit the past from time to time, but those of you who live there will miss out on their future.

YOUNG ADULT is one of the best dark comedies to be released this year. Funny and yet sad, comical and sometimes painful, the film casts a mirror to those of us who are Mavis' age. This reviewer is pushing 40, but I still have hope that even though life is troubling right now, it will get better. Four out of five stars!

YOUNG ADULT is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the South Bay. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!