theharpermovieblog - Tumblr blog

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

DAVID LYNCH WEEK

I re-watched Inland Empire (2006)

David Lynch Week concludes with what is possibly my favorite of his films.

An actress lands a role in a possibly cursed film.

Lynch famously filmed "Inland Empire" with no full script, choosing to instead make things up as he went along. He also chose to film the entire thing on a digital camera, freeing him up to create in the moment. While this random way of making a film can seem like it would lend itself to flaws, it more than makes for an incredibly dream-like nightmare. An experience which Lynch knows how to create better than anyone.

Inland Empire is possibly my favorite David Lynch film for many reasons. First off, it features an amazing performance from Laura Dern that deserves recognition. She's unbelievable and a lot is asked of her throughout the film. Secondly, it's fucking terrifying. This movie actually scared the shit out of me the first time I saw it, and it's managed to still scare me every time I've re-watched it. It is so full of dread, shock and fear that it just overwhelms you. (Watch it in the dark, as you should with all movies.) Third, at times this movie features some great examples of David Lynch's humor. He slips it in almost awkwardly and it hits different with each viewing.

And finally, it is pure David Lynch at his most Lynchian. He just grabbed a digital camera and let his mind take over to create, like a painter before a blank canvas.

I have my theories as to what "Inland Empire" is about thematically. Maybe the film isn't all connected perfectly, to be deciphered by the likes of me, but the themes lean heavily into free will, the impact of our choices and the chaotic nature of possibilities. I have my reasoning written down, but it's gibberish to people who haven't seen the movie, so I won't shoehorn it all into this review. Why bother? David Lynch films don't need to make sense to be appreciated. My joy in trying to puzzle solve his work is only a small portion of why I have such reverence for his films. There is also the visceral experience, the artistic technique, and of course the general sense that anything could happen next. Lynch crafts experiences like no other and captures our outer consciousness like no other.

Is David Lynch a genius? I don't know. But he's the definition of an artist in the truest sense.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

DAVID LYNCH WEEK

I re-watched Blue Velvet (1986)

This week I'm looking at three David Lynch films.

A young man discovers a Severed ear in a field and soon finds himself lost in a dangerous world.

"Blue Velvet" is David Lynch's noir film. (He even hints at this if you take a look at what the main character's mother is watching on television.) But, unlike most film-noir, this is a David Lynch movie and it's not as simple as your average dark detective story. Its deeper and stranger.

What I take away from "Blue Velvet", the point I think Lynch is making, is that just like the rummaging of the Beetles beneath the summer grass at the beginning of the film, there is always a disturbing and chaotic underbelly beneath the idyllic Americana we take for granted. And, at the end of the day, we know that the danger of chaos is there, we just choose to ignore it.

It's a theme that can be seen both in the unexpected health emergency of the lead character's father and even more so in the disturbing events that take place when our lead character tries playing amateur detective. It's a message and a movie which Lynch knows has no true happy ending, but he gives us an ending that pretends to be a happy one.

If you're looking for an entryway into Lynch's films "Blue Velvet" is one I'd suggest. There is so much here that draws you in and simultaneously repels, and that's something you'll have to get used to with David Lynch. But also, the narrative works for people who can't yet handle the more "out there" films that Lynch creates. You're getting characters with strange but understandable motivations, a good story and one of the most memorable villains in film history. You also get a version of a college boy detective story that plays out like the most fucked Hardy Boys you've ever read. And, finally you're getting a fantastic cast. Kyle McLaughlin, Laura Dern, Isabella Rosellini, Dennis Hopper...what else could you ask for?

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

DAVID LYNCH WEEK

I re-watched The Grandmother (1969)

I wanted to start with a short film by David Lynch. One that I find rather beautiful and deeply sad.

A boy grows a grandmother after being born to abusive parents.

David Lynch is one of my all time favorite filmmakers. When someone asks me why, I always say "it's because he does things differently than I would ever conceive of doing things, yet I find his way of doing them insanely effective." His style is all his own, yet that style evokes every emotion in me. Fear and existential dread, joy and humor, depression and hopelessness. His films don't just make me think, they allow me to think. To step away from it all and delve into the strange reality of human existence and consciousness.

"The Grandmother" is a perfect example of Lynch doing this in an early film project.

The lead character in this film, 'the child', is unwanted and unloved. He is not considered to be a son, so much as he is considered to be a burden and an animal by two very brutish parents. Both of whom are deeply animalistic in their own right.

It is in growing a grandmother, that the child finds comfort. Nurturing a relationship which eventually produces connection and love.

While I never presume I can fully decipher David Lynch movies, I think it's clear that in "The Grandmother" there are obvious themes of the broken American family unit, as well as the difficulties and dangers of childhood. Overall the simple danger of being born into hate and disappointment rather than into love and acceptance.

Lynch also explores a true love in the film. Showing us a relationship which acts as a beacon of hope within the darkness of life. But, of course, loving someone can come with it's fair share of sorrow.

"The Grandmother" is a beautifully produced short film that unflinchingly looks at family and life as a child. While not as indecipherable or complex as some of Lynch's later work, there is an unmistakable style that is pure Lynchian goodness.

It's scary, haunting, touching and wildly effective.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

I re-watched The Mask (1994)

Superhero movies in the 1990's were.....different. lol

An unlucky and meal bank teller finds a wooden mask which gives him the power to transform into a cartoon-like superhero.

Director Russel Chuck has directed some movies that are a big part of my childhood. The 1988 remake of "The Blob", "Nightmare on Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors" and of course, "The Mask". He's also directed several less than memorable movies like "The Scorpion King" "Eraser" "Bless The Child" and a few Straight to streaming John Travolta movies. He's not exactly hit or miss, but he's got a few decent ones under his belt.

So, let's just start with the one solidly good thing about this movie, Jim Carrey. Carrey can elevate almost any comedy. You watch this or The ace Ventura movies (minus the gay panic and transphobia) and realize that these movies don't work without Carrey. Same goes for the Sonic The Hedgehog movies. They aren't exactly well written or special in any way, but Carrey adds enough to them to make them enjoyable. He spices up the comedy and saves what would be a lame franchise.

Maybe Jim Carrey has put out some stinkers in his time, but when it comes to comedy, the guy knows what he's doing. He's pure entertainment and puts everything he has into every role. Same goes for "The Mask".

That being said, this isn't all that funny of a movie, outside of a few gags. Carrey is carrying a mediocre script. I did chuckle my way through it, but I never got any belly laughs. It was fine. The visual effects have aged fine and the character of The Mask works more than it flops. He's a cartoon, he does cartoon things, and occasionally the jokes are a little blue. It's a perfectly serviceable 90's comedy movie. I can see why it was a bit of a sensation when it came out, due to it's effects and Carrey's performance, but it's appeal has degraded with time.

The visual style is fine sometimes. There are some pretty shots, but there are also some real shitty ones. This color scheme works better here than it did in Schumacher's Batman films, but so much more could have been done to make this look pretty and fantastical, rather than just drowned in bright colors.

If you haven't seen this in awhile, it's probably worth a nostalgia rewatch, but it doesn't make for much more than a fun trip down memory lane. Not too much is memorable outside the catch phrases we all remember anyway, and Cameron Diaz in her debut role looking unbelievable. I don't normally point out women's attractiveness in movies, but Diaz is pretty much relegated to a character that serves no other purpose than being pretty, and she more than pulls it off.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

I watched Double Impact (1991)

Every so often I slip into the "So bad it's good" area of action films, and the king of those films has to be Jean Claude Van Damme. It's definitely not Steven Segal.

After being separated at birth, when their parents were murdered by Hong Kong Triads, two brothers reunite for revenge.

As you might have guessed this isn't a quality film, and I'm not judging it as if I expected it to be traditionally well made. We're grading on a curve.

First off, Van Damme obviously can't act. Something that is more apparent in this film because he's often acting against himself. He plays twins who trade badly written quips and who are poorly edited into the same shots. Secondly, the story is some seriously basic action movie garbage with the twin gimmick tossed in. It's exactly what you'd expect from this era and this star.

However, this is pretty fun to watch. I laughed a lot at all the dumb stuff. I laughed at the poor filmmaking and shitty writing. I laughed during the action scenes in all their early 90's slow-mo glory. I laughed especially hard when Van Damme kicked a dude in the neck so hard the guy flew off a boat. I had a really good time, which is the exact reason I seek out Van Damme movies specifically. His turds often have a hilarious shine.

Nowadays I suppose people watch the fast and furious movies for this kind of brainless action. Either that or they watch straight-to-streaming content, starring old actors just cashing in on their name. But, nothing can really compare with this time period if you're looking for B-grade fun in the action genre. The 1980's and 1990's, when action stars didn't need to know how to act and when these films were made with a misguided, yet earnest belief that they were cool.

"Double Impact" is no "Bloodsport" but it's bad movie night approved.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

I watched Messiah Of Evil (1973)

This one has been popping up in my life recently, and being touted as a forgotten horror classic.

A woman goes to a strange town to find her missing father.

"Messiah Of Evil" is written and directed by Gloria Katz and Willard Huyck, the writers behind "American Graffiti" "Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom" and "Howard The Duck".

It's a film in which the artists, the models, the sexually open, are all the prey in a small town of ghouls. The prey of the ghosts of the past, to be killed....or worse, to become dead like them.

It gets a bit muddied, but the theme of an old and more conservative world view clashing with the counter culture is certainly there.

This film very heavily has the vibe of a late 1960's early 1970's type of horror film. Reminiscent of Films like "Let's Scare Jessica To Death" or "Rosemary's Baby'. It's heavily atmospheric, strange and otherworldly. It's horror comes from several different places, including cult horror, hippie horror, body horror and Lovecraftian horror.

Overall, it's a pretty good, if slightly amateurish, horror film. It's creepy and occasionally disturbing. While there is a feeling that it's one step away from a Mystery Science Theater riffing, it never completely falls apart or loses it's edge. Not to mention, there is some fantastic imagery and really cool shots in the film. If you're going to watch this, get a quality version or don't bother. Something widescreen.

The townspeople are a little scary, and reminiscent of the ghouls in "Carnival Of Souls" and I really liked the Lovecraft elements of a population having been altered long ago by some unknown entity.

This is worth a watch, especially if you like this era and type of horror. I liked it, because I genuinely like films like 'The Velvet Vampire" and "Let's Scare Jessica To Death". My assumption is that a lot of people find them boring. But I know there are few weirdos out there like me.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

FUCKED UP MOVIE WEEK

I watched Possession (1981)

Though I've watched this before, we're counting it as a never before seen, because it was a long time ago and I think the version I watched was edited.

A husband discovers his wife cheating on him, and as their relationship devolves, we slowly discover the wife's much more disturbing secret.

Director Andrzej Żuławski made one of my favorite film experiences from last year, "On The Silver Globe", an unfinished science fiction film that I found wildly beautiful.

Here Żuławski creates a horror experience that continues to be put on most of the "disturbing horror" lists you'll find online.

"Possession" is a film about the breakup of a relationship, but much more about the animalistic and disturbing nature of how we deal with loss, obsession, and control within relationships.

Supposedly in France, the French film enthusiasts have coined the term "Żuławskien", after Andrzej Żuławski, as a way of describing his over-the-top style. Certainly he does have a style that encourages a heightened sense of emotion and reality. In "On The Silver Globe" many of the characters seem to babble on and on, as if pontificating madly more than simply conversing or speaking. In "Possession" we have characters that go a step above simple arguing, as if they are also in a maddened state and mentally broken from the very start of the film. It's this loss of control juxtaposed with one character's desire for control and the other's desire not to be controlled, that sits at the heart of what makes this film so intriguing and so well fitted to the "Żuławskien" style.

Some find "Possession" to be misogynistic, and it surely is in some aspects. Personally however, it's not what I walked away with after viewing. I ended up with a distaste and a sympathy for all the characters, and a message of the impossibility of a perfect relationship, as we are inherently flawed. There is also some form of political meaning, but to dig deeper into it, is for another time.

It's a disturbing film for sure. Though I've seen far more disturbing films, "Possession" is definitely not for the faint hearted. For me, It's the performances that sell this disturbing nature more than the violence or monstrous creatures. Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neil give fantastic performances in the lead roles, and their interactions are where the most unnerving moments occur.

It's a bit too much sometimes, which can become more aggravating than engrossing, but it's a fantastically crafted bit of horror that works on many different levels.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

FUCKED UP MOVIE WEEK

I watched We Are The Flesh (2016)

I randomly jumped into this one. Turns out it's a super upsetting little film.

A brother and sister find themselves dependent on a man who uses them to build an odd structure and forces them into disturbing acts.

To immediately get it out of the way, this film involves deeply upsetting things. It managed to make me very uncomfortable and I'm usually unfazed by disturbing films.

These disturbing things include masturbation over a scene of forced incest, eating period blood, raping strangers, murder, etc... And, this is all out in the open and up on screen. If you normally can't handle any of these things, this one isn't for you.

"We Are The Flesh" explores the darkest side of human thoughts and desires. At one point the lead character explains his relationship with "solitude" as one which allows him to delve into the most depraved parts of his mind. He considers this a beautiful thing, and through the course of the film he indoctrinates a brother and sister into embracing their depraved selves as well. He becomes like a Messiah to them and others, even literally returning from the dead at one point and eventually asking to be cannibalized by his numerous followers.

At this point you might guess that we, as the audience, are not dealing with a straightforward narrative. There are many nightmarish moments that seem to defy logic and reason. But, it's all a part of the madness and the further exploration of humanity and religion.

After all, if you're looking for disturbing inspiration, look no further than Christianity and the Bible. A holy book which features incest, rape, murder, miraculous events and a religion which actively partakes in a faux cannibalism ritual.

"We Are The Flesh" was written and directed by Mexican Filmmaker Emiliano Rocha Minter.

Minter has an incredible eye and uses his Camera expertly. I have a few issues with the writing, but they're miniscule. Some scenes and conversations could have been drawn out a bit more, as the over-anxious need to shock is apparent. Not that the film doesn't have meaning in the madness, or a real message which it is able to get across. This isn't just offensive to be offensive.

I suppose I can only recommend this to people who really enjoy fucked up movies. But, if you do, this one gets right to the point and keeps going.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

FUCKED UP MOVIE WEEK

I re-watched Ichi The Killer (2001)

Not for the faint of heart, but I love this movie.

A masochistic and sadistic mobster is looking for his missing boss, and comes across a deranged man who's been tricked into being an assassin.

"Ichi The Killer" is the film that introduced me to filmmaker Takashi Miike. Miike's films are often ultra violent, brutally sexual and wildly creative. Sadly, many people can't look past the intense violence on the surface, to appreciate Miike's craftsmanship.

As a viewer, it is ok to dislike violence and brutality, but it's a completely different thing to dismiss a filmmaker for using those things in their films. Even if, like Miike, they use those things excessively.

Here, in this film, Miike often juxtaposes two forms of violence. One form being realistic and traumatizing, the other being cartoonish and campy. This juxtaposition says more about violence in film than I think people understand. Each form has a different effect, and when shown side by side, they allow the audience to question their relationship to film violence and violence in general.

I really do love this movie. From the wild and sublime direction that matches the tone of a manga, to the music, to the story of strange desires of pain and pleasure. I love that there are no real heroes, and those who try to be heroes only fuck it up.

With that being said, this movie is very much not for everyone. It is brutal and full of violence, rape, gore, disturbing perversions and more. It is a wild experience that compromises nothing, no matter how upsetting it may be. And, it often blends those fucked up things with an odd sense of humor.

It's hard to say what my favorite Takashi Miike film is, but this is definitely a contender. It's vibrant, energetic and just cool despite it's morally uncool characters.

If you're looking for a more palatable Miike film I recommend "First Love" (2019)

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

I re-watched Dark City: Director's Cut (1998)

I loved this movie when I was a kid.

A man with amnesia, who is wanted for murder, finds himself on the run from the police and a band of dark clothed men in a city of permanent night.

In March of 1999 "The Matrix" would hit theaters, conquer the box office, and define Science fiction for the new millennium. It also overshadowed the more contemplative and less action oriented Science fiction of the mid to late 1990's. Films like "Gattaca" "12 Monkeys" "Existenz" and "The City of Lost Children" are still considered classics, but "The Matrix" was a phenomenon, as it's effects were something audiences had truly never seen before.

In the middle of all this, was "Dark City". It was released a year before "The Matrix" and critics of the time considered it to be a visually striking film that blended science fiction and film noir to create an exciting and fresh experience. Maybe "Dark City" wasn't a perfect film, but it was a film which deserved to have its finer and more unique qualities recognized.

Directed by Alex Proyas', whom most people know best as the director of "The Crow", this film is a moody and atmosphere soaked mystery. It's design is gorgeously classic and dark. A grim toned 1940's aesthetic on the surface, and a cold Gothic underworld of the dead below.

It is excellently shot, which is where Proyas most excels as a director. His imagery is striking, and along with Director of Photography Dariusz Wolski and a great design team, a truly solid world is created in the film.

While it suffers from some bad ADR and a few clunky scenes, "Dark City", as a whole, is really a great piece of 1990's science fiction. My biggest complaint is the ending, in which a rather silly showdown takes place, complete with the use of "mind waves". It's an ending that feels unconnected to the rest of the film's tone.

"The Matrix" has always felt to me like a spectacular action film with science fiction elements. "Dark City" always felt like the opposite. A dark and brooding science fiction film with a few action scenes. While neither film is perfect, I think I'd rather have lived in the universe where "Dark City" was the film that influenced the future of sci-fi and blockbusters in general.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

I re-watched Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)

One of my favorite films of all time, so this will be less of a review, and more of a gushing tribute.

The story of British officer T.E. Lawrence, who set off into the desert to unite Arab tribes against the Ottoman Empire.

From the most crisp shots filmed on location in Jordan and Morocco, to the spots of flickering light you catch bouncing off the mountains and dunes and blue skys, this Panavision 70mm shot picture is beyond gorgeous and beyond compare. There is nothing quite like "Lawrence Of Arabia" to give one a feeling of real adventure, along with the pain and beauty that comprise what real adventure is.

At it's heart, this film is an anti-colonialist tale, which I certainly connect with politically, but my love for the film comes more from the way it hits the heart of me. The way it makes me feel, as if I am seeing something bigger than myself. It gives me that special feeling I used get as a child, that excitement and joy that consumed me everytime I'd go to the movie theater. It reminds me why I fell in love with cinema, not only as an art form, but as a way of getting lost in the stories of others.

"Lawrence Of Arabia", as a film, is near perfect. In the 21st century there are certainly faults that can be found in some of the whitewashed casting, but as a film there are no complaints that stand up against scrutiny. The look, the style, the choices made from top to bottom are without mistake. Each shot, each moment, each battle scene, each conversation and bit of dialogue, it all works expertly. At near four hours in length, the film still manages a great pace and encourages the viewer to sit back and be amazed by it's grandeur. The word "Epic" describes it almost perfectly, but it barely does the emotional effect of the film justice.

What amazes me almost as much as it's near perfection, is it's obvious influence on future films. It is one thing to hear about it's influence when George Lucas and Steven Spielberg reference it while talking about the "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" films. But, it's another thing to be able to clearly see that influence, which you absolutely can. It is, without a doubt, the prime example of an adventure film, while also being so much more.

One of my favorites.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

I watched Dream Scenario (2023)

Nic Cage continues to rise like a Phoenix. A crazy weird Phoenix.

An unremarkable professor and family man begins appearing in people's dreams, and the fame of this phenomenon suddenly turns dark.

I wanna start by throwing some credit to a small YouTube channel called "Cinema Detective" who I'll link at the bottom of this write up. If you're looking for an in-depth and well thought out look at the meanings behind "Dream Scenario", "Cinema Detective" has really nailed it and really let's you see the movie for something more than the base level of it's Cancel Culture Setting. They dig deeper into the themes of personal perception, outward perception, collective consciousness and Jungian Psychology.

Director Kristoffer Borgli is new to me. Their other film that caught my attention, which I still haven't seen, is "Sick Of Myself", which I'll soon be watching based solely on the fact that I liked "Dream Scenario" so much.

"Dream Scenario" is a gripping film, full of emotion and draped in subtext from its deeper themes to its surface level cultural commentary. As A24 produced films often do, this film pulls you in through it's unique story. A story that seems on the outskirts of normal and cliche plot device, but which perfectly captures the personal and deepest side of being human.

At the center of the film is Nicholas Cage, giving a fantastic performance, one that reminds us that he isn't always experimenting with abstract German Expressionist acting, and that he truly is one of the best actors to ever do the job. Yes, he often wants to challenge the very idea of what character is and what "acting" can and should be, but at his very heart, he is an actor with the talent to back up the fame and experimentation.

The story is beautifully told by Borgli, and deserves a second and maybe third viewing. It doesn't leave us questioning everything, but it allows us to question everything if we'd like to. Even if that question is as small as "Did they end up repairing their relationships?" Or as big as, "Is real life just a dream created by the linked consciousness of all humankind?

This is one which I think that most people will like. Even people who don't like "thoughtful" or "weird" movies. There is enough comedy, enough entertainment and enough interesting stuff going on to keep most people happy. But, it's the director's allowance for his audience to dig deeper that really makes this one so special. You can dig a little or dig further down and be satisfied with either choice.

And remember to check out "Cinema Detective's" video on the deeper meanings, after you watch the film. It's really thoughtful and whoever is behind the channel deserves credit for so clearly explaining things.

https://youtu.be/Hv9dAmNtIgc?si=h2IJcW9wToskjZM5

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

STEPHEN KING TV WEEK

I re-watched Storm Of The Century (1999)

It's Stephen King TV week, in which I'm looking at 3 Stephen King made for TV films and miniseries.

During a huge snow storm on a Maine Island, the residents are invaded by an evil entity in the form of a man.

The final choice for the two week Stephen King marathon came down to a handful of options, but ultimately "Storm Of The Century" was chosen because of its quality.

This film is directed by Craig R. Baxley, who I know best for directing 1988's "Action Jackson". A movie that's not exactly good, so much as unintentionally hilarious.

Despite my opinion of Baxley's previous work, he does a really good job here, building tension and managing a long story with a big cast. "Storm Of the Century" is a solid bit of television.

It also doesn't hurt that this miniseries was an original idea penned for the screen by Stephen King himself.

This film/miniseries definitely has a made for TV feel, but a high quality made for tv feel, which is more than I can say for some other Television adaptations of King's work. Since it was an original King story, I assume the ABC network put a good budget behind it, and that budget shows.

The biggest problem with "Storm Of The Century" is that it is overly long. You might find yourself getting bored if you try and watch this in one sitting. It's loooong, and at times you're definitely going to feel that length. It was originally released in three episodes, and broken up into those three parts is probably the best way to enjoy it.

However, despite the length and some other small grievances, this is by far the best miniseries I watched for this marathon. If you're looking for a film that feels like a Stephen King novel, this is it. And, like many of the films I watched for this marathon, the cast is excellent and doing their best to sell the story.

While there are Adaptations of King's work that I personally prefer, I could see this being a fan favorite. When so many bits of King on film are disappointing, you tend to cherish the ones that work as well as this does. The themes, the style, the references...all working in favor of fans of the author. Even the ending, considered King's weak point of writing, is probably one of his best.

Anyway, this two weeks of Stephen King on film comes to an end. I can't say I loved the whole experience, but never once was that the fault of the iconic author himself.

All I know for sure is I had fun and there's enough Stephen King on film to do another marathon of his stuff in the future.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

STEPHEN KING TV WEEK

I watched Quicksilver Highway (1997)

It's Stephen King TV week, in which I'm looking at 3 Stephen King made for TV films and miniseries.

A strange man regales two separate people with two separate morality tales.

Ok, this one is kind of cheating the theme. One of the shorts in this film is based on a Stephen King story...the other however is based on a Clive Barker story. But, I'm doing my best to highlight King adaptations I haven't seen in a long time, or which I've never seen, and this made for TV movies falls into the latter category.

Directed by veteran King adapter Mick Garris, "Quicksilver Highway" is a made for TV film produced by the Fox Network. It was later released on home video.

Mick Garris is sort of a horror legend. He himself is a big fan of the genre and has hosted and created television which gave his fellow directors a spotlight and/or a job. He is also known for directing several King adaptations including 1994's made for TV adaptation of "The stand". Garris isn't a director I personally love, but I have a soft spot for some of his work, despite it's less-than-good quality.

As I say in a lot of these Stephen King reviews, the cast is really good here. With Christopher Lloyd and Matt Frewer being the stand outs.

As far as the stories go, Clive Barker's tale about sentient hands is ridiculous to the point of giving the hands silly voices. There's nothing scary here, but it's really weird and I suppose it's rather original. Is it dumb? Yeah. But, as I saw someone else write, "it's oddly fascinating".

Stephen King's tale of a salesman picking up a pair of novelty chattering teeth and a hitchhiker in the middle of nowhere is a little slower and a bit less interesting. It's also dumb, but watchable I suppose.

Overall, as a full film, "Quicksilver Highway" isn't very good. The two stories are not their author's best works, by far. They feel like throwaway stories. Bottom of the barrel stuff, tossed together to make a quick bit of programming for the Fox Network.

The wrap around segments starring Christopher Lloyd could also be better. They don't exactly link the stories or really apply to anything. Lloyd does a really fine job though, especially dressed so oddly. He's always interesting to watch and I wish he'd been given this role with better writing.

There's a lot of better King and Barker adaptations out there to watch. This one definitely is a dud, but it's not "The Tommyknockers" and we can all appreciate that.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

STEPHEN KING TV WEEK

I watched The Tommyknockers (1993)

It's Stephen King TV week, in which I'm looking at 3 Stephen King made for TV films and miniseries.

After discovering something strange buried under the forest floor, the girlfriend of an alcoholic writer begins to act strangely addicted to the discovery...and she isn't the only one.

Directed by John Power, "The Tommyknockers" is considered one of the worst Stephen King adaptations.

John Power hasn't directed anything else I've seen,, but he seems to mainly be a TV director. I can't say he impressed me with this one.

Doing this two week Stephen King marathon has taught me one thing for sure...1993 was a big year for Stephen King content. In fact the whole 1990's were chock full of King adaptations. I suppose he had a shitload of adaptations in the 1980's too. And, I guess they never really stopped making them after the turn of the century. Basically, there is just a whole lot of Stephen King on film.

Of all that Stephen King content, two made for TV movies stand out as the cheapest and most panned adaptations, "The Langoliers" and this movie, "The Tommyknockers".

Is "The Tommyknockers" as bad as it's reputation? Well let's start with the direction. It's pretty abysmal. Some of the cast is doing their best, but they're put into poorly shot generic scenes, which hurt their performances. However, despite a really terrible job, it's not all the director's fault. The writing really sucks. It's bland and incompetent and drains the majority of Stephen King's charm. It's a story about addiction, and besides beating the audience over the head with that theme, there isn't much else to hold on to. The characters suck and the story is an absolute mess.

Combine the poor directing and shit writing with an obviously low budget and you have a film that plays like a rotten episode of "Goosebumps", but with a brutally paced 3 hour length. (The version that aired on TV was supposedly cut down to and hour and a half.)

This is probably the worst Stephen King adaptation out there. Almost devoid of a decent or entertaining moment, "The Tommyknockers" is difficult to sit through at best, and outright unwatchable at worst. Honestly, I have nothing good to say about this movie.

The King elements are there, but they're hollowed out and presented in a fashion that's severely incompetent. Not to mention the overbearingly terrible Casio soundtrack, which only makes the struggle to watch this even harder.

Skip this one, it's irredeemable garbage.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

STEPHEN KING THEATRICAL WEEK

I re-watched Creepshow (1982)

I was going to pick a different movie for this spot, but I couldn't resist doing another collaboration between King and Romero

An anthology consisting of 5 tales of terror, in the style of an old horror comic.

Director George Romero and Writer Stephen King clearly have an affinity for the horror comics they grew up with. Often full of devious characters and ghoulish monsters, the horror comics of the 1950's were perceived by parents and government as dangerous and taboo, making them just what a kid would love to read. Romero and King set out to create a film that captured the exact tone and feel of reading one of these comics, and they greatly succeeded by making one of the best Horror Anthology films in history.

"Creepshow" is a fun trip through the pages of a comic book. It's a colorful movie, which never skimps on the design and detail. It gives the audience the feeling that they are seeing an issue of something like "Tales From The Crypt" come to life.

Each segment is interesting, well written, gorey, funny and full of Tom Savini's brand of special effects wizardry.

The cast is an excellent grouping of familiar faces. Some just starting out at the time and some being veterans of the silver screen.

Even now, 42 years after it's release, "Creepshow" remains a great time at the movies. It's so insanely well done that it's a triumph for all involved.

Doing a Stephen King list of films is a hard thing to do. There are definitely more misses than hits. But, if this list proves anything to me, it's that King works best on screen with George Romero in the director's chair.

The review before this, "The Dark Half", is another team up of these two horror giants, and while it's not a perfect movie, it shows that they compliment each other very well.

However, "Creepshow" is what you get when King and Romero are working perfectly in step with each other. Here they've created something incredibly entertaining, which captures exactly what the two men wanted to share with their audience. This is a horror comic brought to life. No one could possibly do it better.

It might not be the most Stephen King-ian movie on this list, but it is certainly the best movie on this list, hands down.

[theharpermovieblog]

#HARPERSMOVIECOLLECTION

2024 MOVIE LIST

www.tumblr.com/theharpermovieblog

STEPHEN KING THEATRICAL WEEK

I watched The Dark Half (1993)

It's Stephen King theatrical week, in which I look at 3 Stephen King film adaptations made for theatrical release.

A writer kills off the fake name he writes under, only to be implicated in several murders seemingly connected to his stories.

Directed by George A. Romero (the man behind "Night Of The Living Dead", but I'm sure you know that already) "The Dark Half" is a Stephen King adaptation I've never seen.

As far as King adaptations go, this is a pretty decent one. Romero does a solid job as director, giving the film a haunting tone and constructing engaging scenes between our lead characters. He's also never denying the audience the tension, violence, and brutality essential to King's villain.

The movie does occasionally feel like it's dragging at times, but it usually peps back up before it loses you. It can also be a touch corny here and there, but King's work tends to drift into corniness anyway. That corniness also adds a little humor to the film, which makes it fun.

"The Dark Half" has a good cast, with Timothy Hutton taking on duel roles as the mild mannered writer and his murderous doppelganger. Hutton is clearly having a good time as the latter.

Maybe I'm grading on a curve, because a lot of King adaptations are disappointing, but I enjoyed this movie a lot more than I thought I was going to. It's definitely a little too long for its own good and that length isn't filled with enough excitement, but Romero really reminds us why he's so fondly remembered in the horror genre. Just look at his use of colorful lighting, similar to the lighting he used in Creepshow. It's a small touch that adds an otherworldly, comic book-ish atmosphere to some of the murder and mayhem. He keeps things fun, never forgetting he's directing a horror film.

Stephen King and George Romero made a good team. Maybe not a perfect one, but King has definitely put his work in the hands of far less capable filmmakers.