M.R. Gott's Blog, page 40
October 2, 2011
Army of Darkness
Have you missed one of my favorite films of all time…
Sam Raimi's Evil Dead Trilogy is one of my favorite series. The progression from balls to the walls scares of the first, through the comical Army of Darkness end of the series. (though a remake/sequel is all but a sure thing) As the films progress the series comes to rest more and more on the shoulder of one man…Bruce Campbell. His portrayal of Ashley Williams has inspired comics, video games and every medium conceivable. Starting in Evil Dead Ash he goes from average schulb to total bad ass spitting out one liners like a champ.
Army of Darkness provides him the perfect medium for his shtick. Picking up immediately after the events of Evil Dead 2, Ash emerges from the portal in medieval times. With a brazen attitude Ash moves from slapstick dismemberment to slapstick dismemberment with the energy of all three stooges combined. One of my favorite elements is that Ash's main physical antagonists are himself. In the film he fights himself, tiny versions of himself and the character known as Evil Ash. This trend began in Evil Dead 2 when he battles his hand in one of the all time classic horror sequences.
If you have not seen Army of Darkness be warned, it is a film that generally is loved or loathed, for no element is subtle. If you are in the mood for a visually impressive horror film, with a total lack of scares you can do no better. If I have failed to interest you in this film please click Ash below to read Scott Tobias' impression of the film for his cult cannon series from the av club.
There are two versions of Army of Darkness available. The Theatrical edition and the Director's cut or "Bootleg Edition." While I prefer the theatrical edition overall, there are elements of the Director's cut I prefer. The biggest diference between the two is the ending. Raimi and Campbell prefer the Director's cut ending, stating it is darker and keeps in line with the other films better. I understand the argument but prefer the theatrical ending. Ash still doesn't "win" but it is better in line with the goofy nature of the film. Which do you prefer?
Sam Raimi's Evil Dead Trilogy is one of my favorite series. The progression from balls to the walls scares of the first, through the comical Army of Darkness end of the series. (though a remake/sequel is all but a sure thing) As the films progress the series comes to rest more and more on the shoulder of one man…Bruce Campbell. His portrayal of Ashley Williams has inspired comics, video games and every medium conceivable. Starting in Evil Dead Ash he goes from average schulb to total bad ass spitting out one liners like a champ. Army of Darkness provides him the perfect medium for his shtick. Picking up immediately after the events of Evil Dead 2, Ash emerges from the portal in medieval times. With a brazen attitude Ash moves from slapstick dismemberment to slapstick dismemberment with the energy of all three stooges combined. One of my favorite elements is that Ash's main physical antagonists are himself. In the film he fights himself, tiny versions of himself and the character known as Evil Ash. This trend began in Evil Dead 2 when he battles his hand in one of the all time classic horror sequences.
If you have not seen Army of Darkness be warned, it is a film that generally is loved or loathed, for no element is subtle. If you are in the mood for a visually impressive horror film, with a total lack of scares you can do no better. If I have failed to interest you in this film please click Ash below to read Scott Tobias' impression of the film for his cult cannon series from the av club.
There are two versions of Army of Darkness available. The Theatrical edition and the Director's cut or "Bootleg Edition." While I prefer the theatrical edition overall, there are elements of the Director's cut I prefer. The biggest diference between the two is the ending. Raimi and Campbell prefer the Director's cut ending, stating it is darker and keeps in line with the other films better. I understand the argument but prefer the theatrical ending. Ash still doesn't "win" but it is better in line with the goofy nature of the film. Which do you prefer?
Interview at Ramsey's Book Reviews
Click below to read my interview as Part of Ramsey's Second Annual Halloween Bash. You can also enter to win a collection of prizes.
The Frightners
You may have missed...
Produced by Robert Zemeckis, Peter Jackson's The Frightners cost 30 million dollars and made five and a half in the United States in 1996. It is a shame no one came out to see the film. It is a terrific medley of horror and comedy. Michael J Fox stars as Frank Banister a supernatural conman, enlisting the help of a trio of ghosts to haunt people, only to have him arrive and save the day. On one of these outings he sees a number in a man's forehead, who soon dies unnaturally. He is killed by a mysterious hooded specter. Frank soon becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery.
Fran Walsh and Peter Jackson's script seems like it would be an utter mess. It contains a well layered mystery combined with genuinely funny and scary sequences. All of these elements work well, helping the film hold up over multiple viewings. Michael J Fox plays the lead well, but has a strong supporting cast including Jeffery Combs, Chi McBride, John Astin, Jake Busy and R. Lee Ermey. Jackson's direction is full of energy, bringing the audience from one set piece to the next. A theatrical and Director's cut are both available now. I would recommend the Director's Cut. It is 15 minutes longer, comprised of terrific extended scenes that make the film more personal and adding a few extra gags.The Frightners should be a considered a classic and makes a perfect Halloween movie with its combination of scares and laughs. If you have not seen it this is the perfect time of year to. If you have, rediscover it for yourself.
Produced by Robert Zemeckis, Peter Jackson's The Frightners cost 30 million dollars and made five and a half in the United States in 1996. It is a shame no one came out to see the film. It is a terrific medley of horror and comedy. Michael J Fox stars as Frank Banister a supernatural conman, enlisting the help of a trio of ghosts to haunt people, only to have him arrive and save the day. On one of these outings he sees a number in a man's forehead, who soon dies unnaturally. He is killed by a mysterious hooded specter. Frank soon becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery.
Fran Walsh and Peter Jackson's script seems like it would be an utter mess. It contains a well layered mystery combined with genuinely funny and scary sequences. All of these elements work well, helping the film hold up over multiple viewings. Michael J Fox plays the lead well, but has a strong supporting cast including Jeffery Combs, Chi McBride, John Astin, Jake Busy and R. Lee Ermey. Jackson's direction is full of energy, bringing the audience from one set piece to the next. A theatrical and Director's cut are both available now. I would recommend the Director's Cut. It is 15 minutes longer, comprised of terrific extended scenes that make the film more personal and adding a few extra gags.The Frightners should be a considered a classic and makes a perfect Halloween movie with its combination of scares and laughs. If you have not seen it this is the perfect time of year to. If you have, rediscover it for yourself.
September 30, 2011
Tree House of Horror III
Click below to watch The Simpsons Tree House of Horror III, including my favorite segment Dial Z for Zombies, Enjoy....
Happy Halloween
Happy Halloween
Now on Sale 30% off
For the month of October all Horror titles from Untreed Reads will be on sale. Click below to purchase for $2.99
Now on Sale 20% off
For the month of October all Horror titles from Untreed Reads will be on sale. Click below to purchase for $2.99
September 29, 2011
Castle Macabre Contest
Win a free copy of Where the Dead Fear to TreadThrough Castle MacabreClick below to enter
September 28, 2011
Tree House of Horror IV
Click Below to Watch The Simpsons Tree House of Horror IV.
Happy Halloween.
Happy Halloween.
Tree House of Horror
From the first Tree House of Horror, Happy Halloween.Click Image to play
Pink Eye
Happy Halloween, click below to watch South Park's first Halloween episode.
