Bad Dreams (1988)

A survivor of a mass cult suicide awakens from a thirteen year coma. She tries to get her life back together in a psychiatric ward. Then patients start committing suicide which really has the survivor wondering if she's really safe from the grasp of the cult.

This was a fun film. While it is a bit dated, it's still somewhat watchable. Bruce Abbot, Rich Lynch, Dean Cameron (especially Dean) really make this film work. The effects were interesting to say the least. One of them got me jumping out of my seat. I really liked the story. It was very original for it's time. A great first effort from director Andrew Fleming.

With that said. it's still looks like a freshman effort. There are plot holes and continuity errors all over the place. Not big enough to drive semis through, but noticeable still. There are some forced "homages". I don't understand why these happen really. If I'm making an alien flick, I'm not going to shoehorn in Psycho or Vertigo or even 2000 Maniacs reference. Why? Because I'm making an alien film, I'm not making a psycho killer movie. I think Fleming has very bad taste in music, so the score wasn't very appealing.

Again, it's still an enjoyable movie. It's a Sunday afternoon kinda fare. Something to watch to pass the day with. Hell, play it when days are slow. I'd also recommend it to friends.

Three stars.

La Bete (1975)

An upper class American woman is set to marry the son of French aristocracy, but there seems to be some secrets being kept back by the family. Secrets that might go way back.

Borowczyk has got to be one of the most underrated directors of the 70's. One would never know that this French sexplotation is a satire on aristocratic behavior tied into ancient sexual imagery. The movie, thought to be of the horror genre is actually a comedy. The character so satrirical cutting, it was banned for 25 years by the British.

The movie starts and ends with vivid, startling imagery. The camerawork is not only important but shines. They help get the movie's points across very well. The pacing can be long in some areas, but they're long for a reason. They tell the story. The level of suspense is at a modocrum, but it's still there. It's like being at a big birthday bash...and you're about to surprise the guest of honor but he shows up an hour late. Now, your wonder "Where has he gone for that hour.", but you don't worry about it that much because hey! You're partying hearty!! That's what the suspense feels like.

Now, I'm not going to lie to you. Not everyone is a fan. If I were to pop this in to people who don't know what they were in for, they would strangle you afterwards. Plain and simple. If their not looking, their being creeped out by it. Do I blame them? Nah. Not really. Too much powerful images can do that.

My verdict? I'd say this would be a great Midnight Madness type movie you can offer your friends. It also be good for late night viewings.

Four Stars.

C.H.U.D. (1984)

A group of individuals find out that a string of missing person reports is the result of mutated underground homeless people.

I like this movie. It was a lot of fun watching it. I enjoyed the original characters and the awesome storyline. It flowed nicely and was great until it hit a couple bumps near the end. What's real great is that this movie really weathered the test of time. You can pop it in every once in a while and it'll still be great. Another thing I like is the cameo appearances of other actors in this movie. Pat Richardson and John Goodman among others make you go "Oh wow! They were in that?"

With that said, this picture does have some faults. Some scenes totally didn't make any sense. There was a lot of lose ends including a big one. There was also some scenes in the movie that was done just to do special effects. Stuff that made you go "oh wow" when you first saw it, then upon 3rd or 4th viewings your asking yourself "Why is this shit on here in the first place and how is it relevant to the story at large?" The CHUDs seemed rubbery ass well but that's the only point everyone can overlook. It's the thought that counts really.

Overall. It's a really good story. Great characters. Really good script. I'd say the best time to watch this movie is anytime. It's that versatile. Impress your friends. Scare your kids. Scare your mate closer. It's all good.

Three and a half stars.